My Genealogy Hound

MATTHIAS FARNUM, deceased. Every community is bound to have among its citizens a few men of recognized influence and ability, who by their systematic and careful, thorough manner of work attain to success which is justly deserved. Among this class was Matthias Farnum, who was one of the first settlers of St. Joseph, Mich., having located there as early as 1836. He was a prominent and substantial, as well as a progressive, citizen of the county, and is justly conceded a place among the enterprising, influential men of worth in this community. For a number of years after locating in this county he followed his trade of a carpenter and builder, but in 1840 he located in Hagar Township, where he engaged in farming, which occupation he followed the remainder of his life. In connection he carried on his trade, however.

In 1856, Mr. Farnum purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land in Van Buren County, erected a watermill and operated this for three years. About 1866 he located in Benton Harbor, but later he returned to Hagar Township, where his death occurred in January, 1884. This sad event was the occasion of universal sorrow, for all felt the loss which would be sustained by the departure of such a man, He gave to Berrien County the best energies of his life, and to the community and all among whom he lived the example of a life well and usefully spent. He was a good man in the fullest sense of that word, a kind father, loving husband, and true friend. While a resident of St. Joseph, he met and married Miss Dimee Finch, whose parents were among the early settlers of the county. Eleven children were born to this marriage, who all lived to mature years, and four of whom are still living. They are as follows: C. Henry; Isaac, now a resident of Hagar Township; Evermont, of Benton Harbor; and Fremont.

C. H. Farnum, son of the above, and a native of the county in which he now resides, was born in 1838, and was identified with the State in earlier and simpler days of living. He grew to manhood while engaged in the arduous duties on his father’s farm and in the workshop, and received a common-school education in the district where his parents resided. The breaking out of the Civil War filled him with a desire to fight for his country, and in 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, joining Gen. Logan’s division under Gen. Grant. After serving eleven months he returned to Michigan, and was married in that State in 1864 to Miss Eliza P. Dickinson, daughter of Robert Dickinson.

Our subject has made farming his principal occupation in life, but for the past twenty-eight years has been engaged actively in the fruit-growing industry. His home farm of forty acres has been nearly all devoted to fruit culture, and as he thoroughly understands his business he has met with substantial returns. In the year 1890 he purchased an interest in the docks at Benton Harbor. Mr. Farnum evinced his liking for secret organizations by becoming a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows some years ago. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics is a stanch Republican advocating the principles of that party at any and all times. He is also a member of the Grange, and served five years as Master of the Subordinate Grange of Benton Harbor, and one year as Master of Pomona Grange No. 1, of Berrien County, the first in the State.