Samuel Farr 1849

Each morning, Samuel Farr would step onto the porch, gaze out over the farm, and let out a great yell, as if to announce to the whole world that he was alive.

Samuel Farr, the fourth child of William and Azuba Farr, was born on August 7, 1849, in Anderson Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. In 1853, when he was four years old, his family moved to Fulton County, Illinois. Though his formal schooling was limited, he learned to read and write. According to his grandchildren, he stood about five feet seven inches tall and was somewhat heavyset.

On October 17, 1872, Samuel married Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey in Fulton County, Illinois. The Farr and Lindsey families had lived near one another in Ohio and migrated together to Illinois. Elizabeth, as she was commonly called, was the daughter of James and Hiley Ann (Parvin) Lindsey and was born on August 20, 1845, making her five years older than Samuel. Unlike Samuel, she had received a good education and was known for her beautiful penmanship.

Samuel spent his life as a farmer, and among his descendants he was affectionately known as “Sammy Dad” Farr. His granddaughter Goldie Farr Predmore, at age ninety-two, remembered him vividly: “Now I’ve no idea why we all called him Sammy Dad, but we did. I expect that was the way he wanted it. He was different as day and night from William Henry [his son]. When he got up in the morning he would go out on the front porch and yell at the top of his voice. He was an outgoing man. He was a farmer also, until he got where he couldn’t work. He married twice. He had several brothers but they drifted apart and I don’t know where all they went to.”

Another granddaughter, Effie Mae Farr Case, age 89, remembered him with equal affection: “To me, he was a great guy. A jolly man, with funny stories and belly-laughs.” She recalled that Samuel first married Elizabeth Lindsey and that they had three children: William Henry, Iva Farr Long, and May Farr Gray. After Elizabeth’s death, he married Emma Smith. Effie Mae also remembered details that brought his personality to life: he owned a white horse named Peanuts and a Model T Ford that “ran like a Packard.” She noted that he had three brothers—Jim Farr, John Farr, and Ben Farr—and a sister, Sadie Farr Lovell. Reflecting on the family’s naming traditions, she added, “There has been a Bill, Sam or John in our Farr family for generations.”

According to his grandchildren, one of Sammy Dad’s favorite stories was about his youthful trips “to Havany”—his way of referring to Havana, Illinois. He often spoke about those journeys with enthusiasm, recalling the adventures of his younger days.

Samuel’s first wife, Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey, died on September 6, 1905, in Industry, Illinois. Two years later, on February 14, 1907—Valentine’s Day—Samuel married Mrs. Emma Strawmatt Smith. Emma lived another twenty-two years before her death in 1929. Samuel survived her by only a year. He died on August 28, 1930, in Industry, Illinois, after suffering a stroke at the home of his son, William. Samuel Farr was laid to rest in the Industry Cemetery, buried between his two wives.

“Death Comes Suddenly to Aged Industry Resident – Samuel Farr Found Dead on the Floor Early Friday Morning.” Samuel Farr, one of our old and well know residents, was found dead on the floor in his room at the home of his son, W.H. Farr. Friday morning between 4:30 and 5 o’clock. Death was caused from a cerebral hemorrhage, according to the corner’s statement and must have occurred instantly as there was no evidence of a struggle. The body was first discovered by his daughter-in-law who arose shortly after her husband had left the house to go to the Johnson Oil station of which he has charge. Deceased had been in his usual health the day before and was up town during the day and evening, going home about 9:30 o’clock. He was sitting on the porch when Mrs. Farr came home a little later from the band concert and as he complained of nausea in his stomach she gave him a home remedy which he said relieved him and had retired when his son came home. It was not know just when he was stricken but from the condition of the body death must have occurred several hours before he was found. From his position it was evident he had risen from the bed to leave the foon, his feet being just at the door of the adjoining living room.

The body was taken to the Hainline Funeral Home in Macomb where it was prepared for burial and brought back to the Farr home that evening. Funeral services were held at the M.E. church Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock with Rev. John H. Clark in charge. Mrs. H.L. Mummert and Mrs. Helen Kemper with Miss Ethel Nelling at the piano sang “Under His Wing,” “Whispering Hope,” and “The End of the Long Road”… Mr. Farr had lived in this community about thirty five years and was well liked and highly respected by all who knew him.” Industry Press 1930

Samuel Farr lived the life of a typical Midwestern farmer of his generation, yet those who knew him remembered him as anything but ordinary. Outgoing, loud-voiced, and full of humor, “Sammy Dad” was known for his booming morning shout from the porch, his lively stories about trips to Havana in his youth, and the warm laughter he shared with family and friends. Though his schooling was limited, he built a life through hard work on the land and strong ties to family and community. Remembered by his grandchildren as a jolly man with a gift for storytelling, Samuel left behind not only a family that carried his name forward, but also a memory of a man whose personality was as large as the voice that greeted each new day on the farm.