Solano County Biography
John Farnham
John Farnham - Clothing, Gents' Furnishing Goods, Trunks and Valises. The subject of this sketch was born in Bucksport, Maine, in 1840, and in 1860 took to the sea as a profession, which he followed for four years. In the natural course of his calling he arrived in San Francisco in 1863, and proceeding to Mare Island he at once obtained employment in the Navy Yard. In 1867 he returned to his native town and engaged in the hardware business, under the style and firm of S. A. &. J. Farnham. In 1868 he disposed of his interest in that firm and once more returning to California came to Vallejo and established his present business, under the name of Farnham & Voorhees, which partnership continued until the year 1871, since when he has been alone. Mr. F. has also a dry goods business in Salem, Oregon. Vallejo has few more public spirited citizens than John Farnham. In 1877 he was elected to fill the chair of the Republican County Committee; again in 1878 the like honor was conferred upon him, and, never being behind-hand where duty in the public interest is demanded, he has served on the Board of Education, and tilled other responsible offices. In 1868 Mr. Farnham married Mary L., daughter of Andrew J. Ketcham, of Brandon, Vt., who was born in 1841. In this connection an episode occurred which may here be mentioned: When returning home, in 1867, the " Santiago de Cuba," the steamer on which he had taken passage, was wrecked on the coast of New Jersey, near the city of Atlantic; seven of the passengers were drowned, but Mr. Farnham, at the imminent risk of his own life, succeeded in saving that of Miss Ketcham, the young lady whom a year later he made his bride. The union so romantically forecast has been blessed by three children, John W., Frank B., and Mary Louise.
History of Solano County, California
Page 348
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft, February 2008
Solano County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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