Cumberland County, Maine - Joseph R. Farrington ********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: C. Wendland SilverDrusilla@aol.com Copyright © 2005 by C. Wendland Caitlin's Gold Award Project, Girl Scouts USA, Rio Grande Girl Scout Council, El Paso, Texas ********************************************************************** Biography Joseph R. Farrington Biographical Review Cumberland County, Maine Boston Biographical Review Publishing Company 1896 Page 521-525 Joseph R. Farrington, superintendent of the State Reform School at South Portland, Me., was born in Brewer, Penobscot County, Me., May 5, 1830. His grandfather, John Farrington, was born October 20, 1756, in Wrentham, Mass. He learned the carpenter's trade, and was likewise a farmer. In 1786, in company with a number of his fellow-townsmen, he migrated to Orrington territory, as it was called, then a part of Massachusetts, but now known as Brewer, Me. They were pioneers of that part of the country, forming the Wrentham settlement. The grandfather became a large landed proprietor; and, as his sons became of age, he gave to each one hundred and twenty-five acres. He became one of the leading spirits of the new settlement in Brewer, which he afterward represented in the General Court of Massachusetts. He married Cynthia, daughter of Daniel Hawes, on July 14, 1788; and of their nine children Oliver, father of Joseph R., was the fifth son and the seventh child. John Farrington and his wife were active members of the Congregational church of Brewer, he serving as Deacon for many years. Both lived until well advanced in years, his death occurring at the age of eighty. Oliver Farrington was a native of Brewer, Me., the date of his birth being September 18, 1797. Reared by loving parents in the principles of true Christianity, he became a powerful factor in advancing the higher interests of his native town, being among the foremost in moral reform, peace-loving, yet unswerving in his defense of what he believed to be the truth, even though he might be the sole champion of that particular principle. On land cleared by his wife's grandfather he engaged in general farming, residing there until his death, September 16, 1863. On November 11, 1822, he married Hannah Rider, who was born in Brewer, and who outlived him many years, passing away December 18, 1893. They were both esteemed members of the Congregational church of Brewer, and each of their ten children became identified by membership with the Congregational church. Nine of their children are now living; namely, Henry M., Ann L., Hannah J., Joseph R., Sarah E., Clarissa E., Charles 0., George S., and Caroline A. Henry M. Farrington, born January 12, 1824, occupies the old homestead in Brewer, where for eighteen years he served as Assessor and Selectman. His first wife, Deborah Baker, died December 6, 1865, leaving two children-Jennie L.; and Henry B., who has since died. He married for his second wife Susan Colburn. Ann L., born October 29, 1825, is now living in Cloverdale, Cal., being the wife of the Rev. W. L. Jones, by whom she has four children -Myron H., Caroline E., William F., and Harold McKeen. Hannah J. Farrington, born October 3, 1827, lives with her eldest brother on the old homestead. Sarah E., born May 17, 1832, is the widow of the Rev. George A. Perkins, who died leaving three children - William Abbott, Herbert F., and Carroll A. Clarissa Elvira, born October 25, 1834, lives on the old homestead. Charles Oliver Farrington, born May 4, 1837, married Sarah B., daughter of Joshua Chamberlain, of Brewer, and of their five children two are now living - Alice May, born December 15, 1870; and Dana, born June 30, 1878. George Shepherd, born June 14, 1842, married Laura Jackson; and they have one child living Sarah - Edith, born April 25, 1870. Caroline Amanda, born April 15, 1845, is the wife of Myron W. Jones. Joseph R. Farrington acquired his first knowledge of books at the common schools of his native town, completing his course of study at the Farmington Academy, now called the Normal School. In early life, in, company with his brother Henry, he started the brickmaker's business in Brewer, continuing prosperously engaged until 1871, when he gave up the management to his brother, although he retained his interest in the same until 1880. On leaving Brewer in 1871, Mr. Farrington became superintendent of the State College Farm at Orono, and likewise instructor of the agricultural department of the college. In that important position he remained nine years, resigning in 1880 to accept his present office as superintendent of the State Reform School at Cape Elizabeth, now South Portland. Mr. Farrington's long retainment in this office is a speaking evidence of the ability and fidelity with which he has performed his duties, and of the appreciation in which his services are held by the officers and friends of the institution. Mr. Farrington was united in marriage October 11,1855, with Miss Ellen Elizabeth Holyoke, daughter of Edward and Melinda (Snow) Holyoke. She was born March 12, 1832, at Brewer, where she was reared, educated, and married. Her parents subsequently removed to Yarmouth, where her father was for many years a Deacon of the Congregational church. Mrs. Farrington died at Cape Elizabeth, February 28, 1895. From a memorial to her worth and high character we copy the following words: "She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Brewer, and was well known as a tireless worker in her Master's service. She passed away full of years and good works, at the age of sixty-two years." Mr. Farrington is a sincere Christian, faithful to the tenets of the church in which he was reared. After removing to Cape Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Farrington united with Williston Church, Portland. The following is a brief record of their six children: Arthur M., born September 2, 1856, resides at Washington, D.C., where he is employed in the Bureau of Animal Industry. He belongs to the B. S. D. V. S., being Chief of the United States Division. He and his wife, formerly Addie M. Powers, have three children- Helen, born December 7, 1886; Ethel, born January 21, 1890; and Gladys, born. September 13, 1892. Sarah P. (deceased), born November 18, 1858, married George P. Merrill, by whom she had four children - Joseph F., born November 3, 1884; Annie M., born February 7, 1888; Mildred, born November 7, 1889; and Ruth, born August 1, 1891. Edward H., born December 20, 1860, is Chief of the Dairy School at the University of Wisconsin in the city of Madison. He married January 2, 1890, Maud Howard Wyckoff, who died March 26, 1896. Oliver Cummings Farrington, born October 9, 1864, is Curator of the Department of Geology in the Field Columbian Museum at Chicago. Horace Parker, born May 26, 1867, is living in Madison, Wis., where, at the State University, he is taking a course in dairying. Wallace R., born May 3, 1871, is editor of the Daily Commercial Advertiser, at Honolulu, Hawaii.