Russell H. Farr of Proctorsville (Windsor Co.) Vt. and His wife Susie McNulty
Soon after his birth, Mr. Farrs parents moved to Proctorsville, the village founded by Capt. Proctor in the town of Cavendish. Russell lived his entire life in Proctorsvflle. He took up farming on his fathers farm on Twenty-Mile Stream which occupation he continued until he found work in the Proctorsville mill. This marriage was the first one in the Farr family where ad if ferent 'ethncty entered the decendancy with Susie McNulty, whose mother was born in Ireland, and whose father was of Irish descend and born in St. Johns, Canada. Susie was born in an Irish tenament village in Mt. Holly, where the Irish were all residing as they worked on building the railroad through Vermont. NEWS OF THE RUSSELL FARR FAMILY Proctorsville, 2 Nov., 1877: "On Saturday evening last, Robert Stewart hitched his horse to the post in front of Clark H. Chapmans law office and went into the office; in a few minutes, Russell Farr came up street with a straw bed on a wheelbarrow and the horse, upon seeing it, concluded to leave that place, accordingly after twisting the wagon and a part of the harness several times around the post, he left it and ran up the street, as far as the hotel where he stopped to see if the, scare' was following him. The wagon and harness were very badly bent and Stewart borrowed to return home with."
17 Oct., 1884: "Kimball C. Grimes and wife Harriet, of Illinois, were the guests of Russell Farr last Sabbath. They start for their Western home this week." 28 Aug., 1885: "The lawn party at the house of Russell Farr on the 5th under the auspices of the L. B. A., was an enjoyable affair, being a financial success." 6 April, 1889: "Mrs. Russell Farr was thrown from a carriage on Saturday night. The horse starling as she stepped into the carriage, when she picked up the reins which were crossed, turned the horse around instead of stopping him. The wheels, coming in contact with the platform near Henry P. Gammons blacksmith shop, turned the carriage over. Luther A. French, in trying to get the reins, partly caught her as she fell; both were lamed and she was bruised, but no serious injuries resulted." 12 July, 1889: "The brick building owned by the factory company, used for many years as a boarding house, has been undergoing thorough repairs inside and out, made into two tenements, and is now occupied by Russell Farr, and Luther A. French." 27 Sept., 1889: "John Sheehan and Russell Farr have secured employment in Rutland, the former in T. J. Mullens blacksmith shop, and the other in the employ of the electric light company." In 1890, Russ purchased the home a little ways up Twenty-Mile Stream road from Rhoda L. Rice, and worked to make it one of the prettiest residences in the village.
10 July, 1891: "Russell Farr has purchased of William Smith Jr., the home on Twenty-Mile Stream, belonging to the estate of his father. Mr. Farr takes immediate possession, but will not move until fall." 11 Sept., 1891: Russell Farr has moved to the home he recently purchased. The tenement he vacates is to be occupied by Herbert Batty." 18 March, 1892: "Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather last Friday evening, about twenty-five attended the sociable at Russell Farrs, given by the Christian Endeavor Society." 9 Sept., 1892: "The members of the Y. P. S. C. E. held a sociable Tuesday evening at the home of Russell Farr, which was largely attended, seventy persons partaking of the refreshments. A party of twenty-two young people from Ludlow were present." 31 Aug., 1894: "Mrs. Russell Farr and Mrs. W. P. Bowman are visiting friends in Rutland for a few days." 14 Dec., 1894: "There will be a dime sociable at Mrs. Russell Farrs next Wednesday evening, Dec. 19th, under the auspices of the Christian Endeavor Society. Cake and coffee will be served. A cordial invitation is extended to all."
In July of 1900, Russ built a new front piazza to his home on Twenty-Mile Stream road. He also was employed for 55 years in the Murdock Woolen Mills. Because ofit's on and off again operation in the early 1900s, many of the mill workers had to, at limes, find work elsewhere.
5 April, 1901: "Russell Farr and Andrew Dunlap went to Saxtons River Monday and are working in the woolen mill there." The mill in Proctorsvflle had shut down for a week. Proctorsville, 26 April, 1901: "The mill in this village started last Monday and the following Proctorsville people who have been working in other mills for the past weeks have returned to their former positions here: John Farrell from Saugus, Mass.; Fred Shedd from Fitchburg, Mass; Mrs. Wallace from Tilton, NH; Mr. & Mrs. Frank Cherrer from Bridgewater, and Russell Farr, Clarence Bailey and Andrew Dunlap from Saxtons River." 5 Sept., 1902: "Russell Farr, who has been sick at his daughters Mrs. Paradys at Bellows Falls for some time past, is reported very low. Mrs. Farr is with him and his father was in Bellows Falls on Wednesday."
Russ was a member of St. James Methodist Church. He was treasurer of the Epworth League, May, 1901 and Master of Lafayette Lodge F and AM and past Grant of Mt. Sinai Lodge. His wife,"Susie", was well-loved in the community. She was elected President of the Proctorsvflle Lathes Aide Society of the Methodist Church, 23 June, 1899. The annual business meeting of the Lades Ad society was held 8 Aug., 1900 at the Farr home. Mrs. Fred Don Pollard was elected President, and Susie, Vice President. Clara Putnam was chosen Secretary with Mrs. Jenny E. Archer as treasurer. Susie was Chaplain and Warden of Mt. Sinai Lodge of Rebekahs and Odd Fellow from 26 Jan., 1906 until her death.
Proctorsville, 20 May, 1898: "Russell Farr has had his house painted." 8 Sept., 1899, "Mr. & Mrs. Russell Farr and Floyd have gone on a carriage drive to New London, NH to visit Mr. & Mrs. L. A. French." 23 May, 1902: "Mr. and Mrs. Russell Farr went to Bellows Falls Saturday to visit their daughter, Mrs. Charles Parady. Mr. Farr returned home Monday and Mrs. Farr on Tuesday." 21 Nov., 1902: "Russell Farr returned to his work in the mill Monday after a severe and extended illness." - 2 Jan., 1903: "Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parady of Bellows Falls and Leon Farr of Brattleboro spent Christmas at Russell Farrs." - 17 April, 1903: Mrs. R. Farr and son Floyd went to Bellows Falls Friday to spend a few days with her daughter, Mrs. Mabel Parady." 29 May, 1903: "Rev. W. N. Roberts and fam fly of Pittsfield, and Mr. & Mrs. Charles Parady of Bellows Falls, are visiting at R. H. Farrs." 17 July, 1903, Proctorsville: "Mr. & Mrs. Russell Farr went to Brownsville Saturday to visit W. P. Bowman and wife and returned on Sunday." 7 Aug., 1903: "R. H. Farr went to Bellows Falls Saturday morning to visit his daughter, Mrs. Charles Parady, returning Sunday night on the sleeper." 4 Sept., 1903: "W. P. Bowman and wife, Mr. Upham and wife of Brownsville and Elwin Bailey wife and child of Ludlow, were at Russell Farrs on Sunday." 18 Sept., 1903: "Russell Farr has been confined to the house by sickness for a few days." 6 Nov., 1903: "Mrs. W. P. Bowman and Mrs. Brown of West Windsor were guests of R. H. Farr and wife Thursday of last week." 27 Nov., 1903: "R.H. Farr and wife went to Springfield on Tuesday afternoon to attend the funeral of Elmer Gould."
Proctorsville, 1 Jan., 1904: "Mr. & Mrs. R. H. Farr and son Floyd went to Bellows Falls Friday morning to spend Christmas with their daughter Mabel, Mr. Farr returning Saturday night, Mrs. Farr and son an Monday noon." - 26 Feb., 1904: "Mrs. R. H. Farr has so for recovered from her recent illness as to be able to be out again. Mrs. Charles Parody of Bellows Falls is spending the week with her parents." 1 April, 1904: "Mrs. R. H. Farr went to Bellows Falls Sunday morning, called there by the sickness of her daughters, Mrs. Parady." 8 April, 1904: "Mrs. R. H. Farr returned Monday noon from a week's say with her daughter Mabel at Bellows Falls." 9 Sept., 1904, "Mrs. Russell Farr went to Bellows Falls Saturday to consult Dr. Gorham for ear trouble." 11 Nov., 1904: "Leon Farr of Brattleboro gave his parents a call Tuesday an his way to Burlington." 2 Dec., 1904: "Charles Parody came Wednesday evening from Bellows Falls to spend the day with his wife Mabel at R. H. Fan's. Fred Williams and wife from Rutland were guests also, at the same place." 9 Dec., 1904: "Saturday evening the Rebekahs and Odd Fellows met at their hail to celebrate a tripe event: The 30th wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. R. H. Farr, the 20th Wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. H. C. Wyman, and the 32nd birthday of Mrs. Nara Carpenter. It was a genuine surprise to each individual, each knew about the others anniversary, but not of their awn. H. H. Battey on behalf of bath lodges, presented each with a half dozen silver knives and forks together with the good wishes of bath lodges." - 14 July, 1905, Proctorsville: "Mrs. R. H. Far and son Floyd went Saturday to Bellows Falls to spend the week with her daughter, Mrs. Parody." 18 Aug., 1905: "R. H. Farr and wife, J. E. Gould and wife, Ed Brawn and wife, G. D. Ordway and wife, and S. Piper and wife, are in camp at Lake Rescue for the week." 22 Sept., 1905: "R. H. Farr wishes to say to the party who took from his garden the past week, the largest and nicest squash, that they are perfectly welcome to the squash if they will only let him have a few of the seeds, and if they feel a little delicate about coming with them in person, to send them through the mail."
Proctorsville, 18 May, 1906: "R. H. Farr, wife and son, went to Bellows Falls on Friday to visit their daughter Mrs. Parody and returned on Monday." 2 Aug., 1906: "Mrs. R. H. Farr has been very sick the past week. Their daughter, Mrs. Parody and husband came Saturday and she will remain for a time." 6 Sept., 1906: "Mrs. R. H. Farr started Tuesday for Bennington, where she will visit in the family of Dr. Dill for a short time. Floyd going to Bellows Falls while she is away." 24 April, 1907: "Mrs. R. H. Farr went to Bellows Falls Tuesday night on her way to Brattleboro to see her son Leon, who is out of health."-23 May, 1907: "Leon Farr came to his home here Saturday night from Brattleboro where he has been for treatment." 30 May, 1907: "Leon Farr returned Monday to Brattleboro for further treatment. He is much improved since taking treatment." 20 June, 1907: "Leon Farr came home from Brattleboro Thursday night much worse than when he went away about two or three weeks ago." 18 July, 1907: Leon Farr is at his father's very much improved in health." 1 Aug., 1907: "R. H. Farr and wife went Friday to New London, NH for a few days visit in the family of L. A. French. Leon, their son, went Tuesday morning for a visit in the some family."
Proctorsville, 5 March, 1908: "R. H. Farr went Tuesday to Bellows Falls where he expects to work if he likes the position, in the machine shop." He was 56 years old at this time, and apparently still quite able to do heavy work. 23 April, 1908: "Mrs. Russell Farr has gone to Bellows Falls for a few weeks. Mr. Farr has been working in a machine shop there for some time." - 4 June, 1908: "R. H. Farr, who has been working in Bellows Falls, came home last Friday returning Sunday on the paper train." - 9 July, 1908: R. Farr came home last Friday from Bellows Falls for a few days stay, returning on Wednesday." - 3 Sept., 1908: "R. H. Farr came home sick Monday from Bellows Falls." - 8 Oct., 1908: "Several friends gathered at the home of Mr. & Mrs. R. H. Farr on Monday evening to remind them it was the anniversary of their marriage 34 years ago. A pleasant evening was passed in games, singing, etc." 31 Dec., 1908: "R. H. Farr who has been working in Bellows Falls, and his daughter Mabel Parody and her husband, were all home for Christmas this year." 18 Feb. 1909: "The Ladies' Aide Society of the Methodist church will meet Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 24, at the home of Mrs. R. H. Farr. A cordial invitation to all." 11 March, 1909: "Russell Farr was home from Bellows Falls over Sunday." 25 March, 1909: "Mrs. Mabel Parody from Bellows Falls is at her father's, R. H. Farr's called here by the illness of her mother." - 22 April, 1909 "R. H. Farr came home from Bellows Falls last Friday and is an the sick list." 29 April, 1909: "Russell Farr is able to walk out after a severe attack of the grip." 6 May, 1909. "Russell Farr has recovered from his recent illness and gone to work in the mill." 22 July, 1909: "Mrs. R. H. Farr is sick and under the Dr.'s care." 29 July, 1909: "Mrs. Mabel Parody of Bellows Falls came Tuesday evening to visit her parents. Her mother, Mrs. Farr, is very feeble." - 5 Aug., 1909: "Mrs. R. H. Farr is improving, and her daughter, Mrs. Parody when to Middletown last Friday to visit Mr. Parody's mother." 23 Sept., 1909. "While digging potatoes lost Saturday, R. H. Farr found two that weighed three pounds; one of the Green Mountain variety weighed one pound and ten ounces." - 30 Dec., 1909: "Mrs. Loriman A. French (Kate) and her daughter Miss Faye from New London, NH come Tuesday to visit Mrs. R. H. Farr and other friends. They were farmer residents here."
Russell H. Farr . His Life Without his Beloved Susie
and His Own Death
Ludlow, 13 June, 1918: Among those present at the Masonic meetings in Burlington this week were Rev. W. J. Ballou, Charles Josselyn, Frank Whelden and Russell Farr of Proctorsville. The three last mentioned made the trip in Mr. Whelden's car.' - (and under same date in Proctors- yule news): 'Russell Farr is on a two weeks vacation from his duties at the mill. He expects to attend Grand Lodge in Burlington and also visit friends in Maynard and Boston Massachusetts.:: 5 Sept., 1918: "Frank Williams of Rutland spent Friday afternoon with his mother, Mrs. Eliza Williams, at Russell Farm. 7 Nov., 1918: 'Mrs. Eliza McNulty Williams of Maiden, who has been acting as housekeeper for Russell Parr for some time, has returned home. Russell Parr returned on Monday from a short visit spent with friends in Massachusetts.'
The Grand Lodge of Masons meeting at Burlington showed a total state membership of 15,000 with 103 active lodges in the state. Don C. Pollard and Charles Whitcomb, cashier of the Block River Bank in Proctorsville were very prominent in the State organization. Mr. Whitcomb was elected grand treasurer at this meeting, and Mr. Pollard second associate chief of the Masonic Veterans Association. Mr. Farr voted for both of them and was pleased with their election.
29 Aug., 1918: "Mrs. Fred Simpson of Melrose, and Ms. Eliza Williams of Malden, are at the home of Russell Farr. Mrs. Williams is to remain all winter."-26 Dec., 1918: "Among those on the sick lint in Proctornville are Russell Farr, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd McNulty, Miss Katherine Rollin- son and Mr. & Mrs. Bert Hutchinson and their little son." - 1 May, 1919, 'A telephone has been installed at the home of Russell Farr, in Proctorsville, ring 2-42." - 12 June, 1919: "Russell Farr and other Masons of Proctorsville are attending the meetings of the Grand Lodge in Burlington this week.' - 19 June, 1919: 'R. H. Parr visited in Greenfield, Mass., at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Parody from Thursday until Sunday." 4 Sept., 1919: "Floyd Parr has been home from North Billerica, Mass., visiting with his father for a few days."
Russell was token serious ill Thursday evening, 6 Nov., 1919 and was rushed to the Bellows Foils hospital on Friday at noontime where he was operated on in the afternoon for gall stones. The operation was considered a success until peritonitis developed and he died early Monday morning, 10 Nov., 1919.
"His body was brought to his old Proctorsville home Monday afternoon and the funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon. He was the Master Lafayette Lodge F. and A. M. at the time of his death, and Post Grand of Mount Sinai Lodge, and a member of Myrtle Rebekah Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. Rev. F. T. Clark of Ludlow officiated at his funeral and the Masonic burial services was given by High Priest Norris G. Hammond in a very impressive manner. The flora tribunes were many and beautiful, showing the esteem in which he was held. Mr. Parr will be missed by those who were associated with him in all his activities, both business and fraternal. The stores were closed and work in the Murdock mill was suspended during his funeral he having been employed in that mill almost continuously for the post 55 years. The tolling of the mill bell while the remains were being conveyed to their last resting place in Hillcrest cemetery, was a mark of respect which bespoke the esteem in which he was held by his employers and fellow workmen."
"We desire to thank those who in any way assisted us during the sickness and death of our beloved father. We are especially grateful for the many beautiful floral tributes and to those who so kindly offered the use of their cars. The closing of the stores and of the mill during the funeral ore marks of respect, which we deeply appreciate. Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. Parody, Mr. & Mrs. Leon R. Farr, Floyd E. Farr."