John William Farrow, M.D. (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans by William E. Connelley, Vol. IV, pgs. 2112-2113

John William Farrow, M. D.   In addition to the service rendered  by him as a physician and surgeon, Dr. Farrow has played a concpicuous part in business and other affairs in Elk County.  He is president of the Elk Falls State Bank and a stockholder in the Waumega First National Bank.  He is one of the principal property owners at Moline, and for fourteen years consecutively he has served as a member of the United States Pension Examining Board. He was first appointed by President McKinley and was re-appointed by Presidents Roosevelt and Taft.  His service on the board terminated in January 1915.

His ancecstors were Scotch-Irish people who came to Maryland in colonial times.  However, Doctor Farrow's grandfather was born in Kentucky, though he afterward returned to Maryland and died at Williamsport in that state in 1862. He was a cooper and carried on a wholesale business as a manufacturer of barrels.

J. H. farrow, father of Doctor Farrow, was a conspicuous man in his generation in the State of Maryland.  He was born at Williamsport in that state in 1822, and died at Baltimore in 1906.  He grew up and married at Williamsport, spent many years there in the drug business, and subsequently was connected with the Baltimore post office.  He was a republican and strong Union man, and his presence in a border state, which was largely Southern in its attitudes and sympathies, made his situation during the war times one of great personal risk and danger and also one of responsibility.  During the war he was appointed to the office of provost marshall at Williamsport,  It was his duty to prevent goods being smuggled across the river into the rebel country, and many times he found it necessary to confiscate large cargoes of stuff designed for use by the Southern forces.  As a part of his private business enterprise he owned a warehouse, four boats and a coal yard, and all this property was destroyed by the rebel sympathizers.  In those trying days, his house was robbed sixteen times, and even Dr. Farrow, who was a small child at the time, has some recollection of the grim horrors and tragedies of war times.  J. H. Farrow enjoyed great personal popularity and influence in spite of his affliation  with the republican party in a strongly democratic community.  For three terms  he represented Washington County in the Maryland Legislature and served two terms in the State Senate.  He was a very able and fluent campaign orator. He was a Mason and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  His wife was Mary Nitzel, who was born in Williiamsport, Maryland, in January 1834 and is now living at the age of eighty-three in Baltimore.  Of their children the oldest, Charles, died young.  The second is Dr. John William Farrow, Jennie who resides with her mother in Baltimore, is the widow of William Norris.   Charles is the manager of Station "F," a large sub-station of the Baltimore post office, Emma married Jesse Metz, who is an  engineer on the Western Maryland  Railroad, living at Hagarstown.  Harry who is a druggist, died in Baltimore, at the age of thirty-four.

John William Farrow was born at Williamsport, Maryland, January 13, 1858.  He was educated in the Williamsport schools, graduating from high school in 1876, spent one year in the Mechanicstown Academy , and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore where he graduated M. D. in 1881.  In 1906 Dr. Farrow returned to his alma mater for a post graduate course.

His first experience after graduation was in the hometown of Williamsport, but in August of 1881 he came out to Kansas and has been identified with the profession in this state now for thirty-five years.  For fourteen years he lived and practiced at Laclede in Potawattomie County.  In 1894 he removed to Moline and has lived in that city ever since, giving his time and service to a general medical and surgical practice.  He is an active member of the Elk County Medical Society.

Doctor owns a drug store on Main Street, two other stores in the same location , has an attractive residence on the same thoroughfare, and formerly owned considerable farming land, which he has sold.  Fraternally he is affiliated with Wild Cat Camp No. 859, of the Modern Woodmen of America at Moline, and is especially interested  in Odd Fellowship, being past noble grand of Moline Lodge No. 215, and has also represented it in the Grand Lodge.

In 1885, at Laclede, Kansas, Doctor Farrow married Miss Mary Prunty.  Her parents were L. C. and Adeline  (Lebo) Prunty, both of whom are now deceased.  Her father was a large land owner, and miller.  Doctor and Mrs. Farrow have two children of their own.  Ruby, who still lives at home, is a graduate of the Moline High School and of the Independent Business College, and is a competent stenographer, typewriter and bookkeeper, having for a number of years been employed in those capacities in the Moline National Bank at Moline.  Opal, the younger daughter , is now a senior at Washburn College at Topeka.  Dr. and Mrs. Farrow also have an adopted child, Hazel, who was born in June 1910.

[ddurbin]

Farrow articles—1907 through 1921       all from THE MOLINE REVIEW

   1907

Dec-13—Monday afternoon, December 9, Royal Neighbors of Violet Camp No. 593, met and spent a very enjoyable afternoon and were entertained very nicely the committee.  The election of officers are as follows:  Oracle, Mrs. Ingram; vice oracle, Mrs. Maud Ames; chancellor, Mrs. Jim Gill; receiver, Mrs.Ed Keifer; marshal, Miss S. E. Alexander; junior sentinel, Mrs. Alice Myers; outer sentinel, Mrs. McCray; organist, Mrs. Thompson; recorder, Mrs. Dolly Farrow.

   1908

   Jan 17—Charles Lebow of Ottawa spent Friday to Tuesday in this city, the guest of Mrs. J. W. Farrow.

Jan 17—Miss Ruby Farrow entertained her cousin Ernest Powell the first of the week.  He has been staying at Grenola lately.

May 2—A number of young people very pleasantly surprised Miss Ruby Farrow last Saturday evening.  The evening was spent in games and music.  Refreshments were served and at a late hour the guests departed all pronouncing the evening a most enjoyable one.

May 29—Mesdames J. W. Farrow and J. E. Foulston gave a lawn party Wednesday in honor of the young people of the two families.  There were about seventy guests present and a most enjoyable evening was spent.

June 5—The social which was to have been given at the home of Mrs. J. W. Farrow Friday evening by the Endeavors, has been postponed indefinitely.

Aug 21—Dr. J. W. Farrow spent Monday and Tuesday in Topeka on business.

On Saturday, Sept 19, Miss Beatrice Webb presented the operetta, "Little Boy Blue".  Opal Farrow had a role as 'Katy, She Did', and also was one of the children in the Hayfield.  (info taken from an ad for the operetta.)

Sept 25—The W R C met at Mrs Dr Farrow's to celebrate her birthday Tuesday.  They had a most delightful time.

Oct 9—Dr. J. W. Farrow who is a director in the Elk Falls State Bank met the other directors Tuesday.

   Nov 6—Dr. J. W. Farrow went to Howard Wednesday to attend the session of the county pension board.

Nov 27—Miss Ruby Farrow went to Chanute Wednesday to eat Thanksgiving turkey with the C. D. Rester family.

1909

   Jan 8—Dr. J. W. Farrow went to Elk Falls on business Tuesday.

   Apr 9—Dr Farrow made a business trip to Elk Falls Tuesday.

Apr 9—NEW STORE BUILDING—Dr. J. W. Farrow has purchased the other half interest in the vacant lot north of the Moline National Bank, one half of which he already owned.  He will begin the erection of a store room at once.  Moline is bustling some.

In the April 16 paper, an article tells about the recent organization of the City Council of Moline.  Dr. Farrow was appointed to the Board of Health committee and designated the health officer.

Apr 23—Dr Farrow has commenced work on his residence.  When completed, he will have a large, roomy and elegant new home.

Apr 23—Dr Farrow has let the contract for the stone and cement work for his new store building on Main street.  S. L. Farnham will do the work.

May 14—Work has begun on Dr. Farrow's new store building, the foundation is completed and the wall started.

May 14—The carpenters have been working this week on Dr Farrows residence.  The foundation was completed last week.

May 21—M. W. A. AND R. N. A. MEMORIAL—The M. W. A. and R. N. A. will observe memorial day for their deceased members Sunday June 6th.  All are invited.   J. H. Thompson, Clerk, M W A   Dolly Farrow, Clerk, R N A

June 4—Miss Opal Farrow went to Elk City Thursday.

June 4—Miss Ruby Farrow has resigned her position as Book Keeper for the Lime Co and will go to Fredonia and take a course in short-hand, her place has been filled by Miss Francis Ryan of Kansas City, Mo.

In the June 4 paper, there was a notice for a Band Social for Flag Day, June 14.  Ruby Farrow was listed as being on the Soliciting committee, and Mrs Farrow was on the General Committee.

July 9—Dr. Farrow had business in Elk Falls Tuesday.

July 23—Miss Ruby Farrow spent Tuesday at Elk Falls.

July 23—from the Elk Falls news section—Miss Ruby Farrow of Moline came in Tuesday for a visit with her classmate Min Lina Woodward.

July 30—Mr. Taylors little boy got his arm thrown out of place last week and Dr. Farrow had the job of throwing it back again.

Aug 13—Dr Farrows have moved into their new home on north Main Street.  After completely remodeling their old house they find themselves living in one of the nicest houses in the city.

Sept 24—Dr. Farrow's building is nearly finished, the front is being put in this week.  The plate glass is in and the building will make a fine store room.

Oct 29—Dr J. W. Farrow spent Wednesday in Howard attending to his duties as a member on the county pension examining board.

1910

Jan 28—Miss Ruby Farrow went to Independence Monday morning to enter the Commercial College to take up a course in stenography.  Her mother went with her to help her get located.  Mrs Farrow returned Monday evening.

Feb 11—Miss Ruby Farrow who is attending Commercial College at Independence returned last Friday and stayed till Sunday.

Apr 29—Dr Farrow, O S Stevens H R Ellsworth, and I W Beal were in Grenola Wednesday morning looking at the new bank buildings and getting pointers for the new bank here.




May 6—Dr Farrow, H R Ellsworth O S Stevens and F A Chaffin spent Thursday in Independence looking over plans for the new bank building.

May 6—Miss Ruby Farrow was home from Independence last Saturday and Sunday.

June 17—THE ALUMNI MEETING—The Alumni Association met at the residence of Dr. Farrow on  Saturday evening and had a short program consisting of the president's address and music.  Then the class of 1910 was initiated with due ceremonies.  After this they adjourned to the home of John A. Freed where a banquet table was spread with dainties prepared by the ladies of the Christian Church.  Someone representing the class of each year presented a toast and Prof. Breedon gave a toast to the Alumni.  Each one present enjoyed the occasion and the school spirit was strengthened by the meeting.         **note:  My grandfather, Charlie Durbin, was in the 1910 class.

July 1—HELP CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY—Monday morning about thirteen of the Freshman and Sophomores of the Moline High School with loaded baskets boarded the train for Grenola for a picnic in nonor of their teachers birthday Mr. G. L. Miller.
   Mr. Miller met them at the train with a hay rack and took to the beautiful grove just east of Grenola, where he had prepared swings and other amusements.  Mrs. Miller acted as chaperon of the crowd.  At noon an excellent dinner was spread.  After all were through eating Mr. Miller was presented with a book from the two classes.  The afternoon was passed very rapidly and in the evening a fire was built and super was cooked in god old camping style.  At a late hour they came home wishing Mr. Miller many birthdays as happily spent.  Those present were; Henrietta Mann, Ova Melton, Edith Johns, Reka Sheel, Ruth Monroe, Nellie Rettig, Nancy Smith, Ethel Durbin, Mary Keifer, Opal Farrow, Hursel Harris, Earl Spease, Orin Smith.

July 8—Miss Ruby Farrow was here to spend Sunday and Monday with home folks.

Aug 12—Misses Ruby Farrow and Hazel Schnert went to Wichita to visit Mrs. J. E. Foulston.

Aug 19—Dr J. W. Farrow and Judge J. K. Glasscock had business in Elk Falls last Saturday.

Aug 26—Dr J. W. Farrow went to Elk Falls Monday to see a patient who was quite ill.

Aug 26—Miss Opal Farrow returned last Saturday evening from her visit in Independence.

Sept 9—Miss Ruby Farrow went to Independence Monday to resume her studies in the business college.

Oct 14—Miss Ruby Farrow has been assisting in the Moline National Bank in the absence of Miss Myrtle Chaffin.

Dec 16—NOTICE—Beginning Jan 1, 1911, the following fees will established Viz  Day visits in town $1.50, Night visits in town $2.00, Day visits in country, $1.50 for first mile, 50c for each additional mile, Night visits in country, $2.00 for first mile and 60c for each additional mile.  No visits will be made out of town for less than $2.00.  Office visits 50c and upwards.   Dr. V P Booth   Dr. C. Beasley    Dr. J. W. Farrow

1911

Jan 6—D. D. Holton and Dr. J. W. Farrow were in Elk Falls Tuesday attending the meeting of the Stockholders of the Elk Falls State Bank in which they are interested.  Dr. Farrow is the president of the bank.

Jan 13—MOLINE'S GREAT FIRE        ***A long article describes a fire that occurred Wednesday, Jan 11, destroying or damaging nine business buildings.  Dr. Farrow's office in Mary Collin's building was damaged but he was able to save the contents.  His building, occupied by the Weese Store, was heavily damaged.




Jan 18—NEW LOCATIONS—(Article gives the new locations of the businesses affected by the recent fire.)  Dr. Farrow is to be found at W A Elstun's office.

Feb 3—Miss Myrtle Chaffin is sick and unable to attend to her duties at the bank.  Miss Ruby Farrow is taking her place.

Mar 31—Miss Opal Farrow spent Sunday in Elk City visiting her friend, Mrs. Roy Rice.

May 19—Dr Farrow has commenced the reconstruction of his building on Main Street.  S. L. Farnham is doing the work.

June 16—The Weese and Farrow buildings on Main Street are progressing nicely.  The fronts are being put in this week and they are of chocolate colored brick trimmed with buff.

July 7—Dr Farrow of Moline and Dr Flack of Longton went to Howard Wednesday to meet with the county pension board of which they are members.

Aug 25—Dr Farrow has been in Kansas City on business for the last few weeks.

Sept 1—Miss Opal Farrow returned Monday evening from a visit in the north part of the state and at Kansas City.

Sept 1—Dr. Farrow and Dr. Booth have been in Kansas City this week preparing to move to Moline a stock of drugs they bought there.  They will soon open a drug store in Dr. Farrows new building.

Dec 8—Mrs Prunty who was here visiting her daughter Mrs J. W. Farrow returned to her home at Wetmore Wednesday.

1912

Jan 5—Dr Farrow spent Tuesday at Elk Falls attending the meeting of the stockholders of the Elk Falls State Bank of which he is president.

Feb 2—Dr and Mrs J. W. Farrow returned Wednesday evening from a visit at Topeka.

May 24—THE ALUMNI BANQUET—article telling about the banquet held by the Moline High School Alumni Assn.  Ruby Farrow was elected treasurer of the association for the following year.

June 7—Ivan Milner and Miss Ruby Farrow spent last Thursday with Miss Rose Lawrence north of Elk Falls.

July 5—J. W. Farrow was an Elk Falls visitor Tuesday.

Aug 9—Dr Farrow went to Howard Wednesday to serve on the Pension Board of which he is a member.

Aug 23—Miss Opal Farrow went to Elk City Sunday to spend a day with friends and intended to visit in Independence before returning.

Oct 4—Mrs. A. Prunty who has been visiting her daughter Mrs. J. W. Farrow returned to her home Wetmore, Kansas Thursday morning.

Oct 18—Mrs J. W. Farrow went to Wetmore last Saturday morning to visit relatives.



Beginning Nov. 14, 1912, Moline's two newspapers, THE MOLINE REVIEW and THE MOLINE GAZETTE merged into one, and became THE MOLINE ADVANCE.

1913

Feb 6—LEAVES TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF HER MOTHER—Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Farrow and daughters Ruby, Opal and baby Hazel, went to Wamego Tuesday morning to attend the funeral of Mrs. Farrow's mother, Mrs. Prunty.  Some weeks ago Mrs. Prunty suffered a stroke of paralysis while visiting in California, which soon proved fatal.  The body was brought back to Wamego, her old home, where the funeral was held Wednesday.  Mrs Prunty has visited in Moline several times and was well acquainted with a great many Moline people.

April 3---Opal Farrow went to Howard last Saturday.

1915

Jan 7----Miss Opal Farrow returned to her school work at Topeka Monday morning.  She is making excellent progress in her studies at Washburn College.

Jan 28---THE N.O.T. CLUB---The home of Miss Jennie Hamilton presented a merry scene Monday night when the N. O. T. Club was organized.  This is to be a fancy work club and the members expect to have very jolly times.

   The officers were elected as follows:  Mrs. Hazel Foulston, president, Mrs. Leta Monroe, vice-president, Miss Eva Finney, Secretary and treasurer.

   The first meeting will be with Miss Ruby Farrow Tuesday night, February 2nd and the meetings will be held every two weeks.

   At present the members are Mesdames Hazel Foulston, Mary Owsley, Ella Shackelford, Leta Monroe, Daisy Force, Vollie McCray, Leah Rubottom, Misses Jennie Hamilton, Eva Finney, Alma Finney, Ruby Farrow, and Leah Record.

Sept. 16---Opal Farrow left to start 3rd year at Washburn.

1917

June 7---Mrs. J. W. Farrow left Tuesday morning for Topeka to attend the College Commencement at Washburn College where her daughter, Miss Opal is a member of the graduating class.

Nov. 8---Miss Ruby Farrow went to Topeka Wednesday to meet her sister, Miss Opal, who was coming there from Marysville to attend the Teacher's Association.

1918

Jan 10---Miss Ruby Farrow who has been appointed as stenographer to Lieutenant Roy Bieber, in the Ordance Department left Monday morning for Washington D.C. to assume her new duties.

May 30---Miss Opal Farrow left Tuesday morning for Washington, D.C., to enter the Adjutant General's office as a stenographer.  Miss Opal is anxious to do her bit in the war and will be glad to be near her sister, Miss Ruby, who is already at work in the ordance department.

1919
July 31---The Advance has a card signed by Opal A Farrow, Ruby S. Farrow and Lettie Sturges from Niagra Falls.  Presumably the ladies are taking a vacation at that famous resort from their government duties at Washington.

July 31---Mrs. J W Farrow has organized a girl's sewing club which meet at the homes of its members.  They met last Wednesday with Louise Bone.  Mrs. Farrow is to be commended for the interest in the young girls.  She meets with them and instructs them in the work.

Dec. 18---Miss Ruby Farrow came from Washington, D.C., Monday evening and surprised her parents, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Farrow.  She holds a government position and secured a long enough vacation to come home to visit until after the holidays.

1920

Jan. 8---Miss Ruby Farrow who had been here on her vacation visiting her parents, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Farrow returned last Friday to her work at Washington.

June 3---Miss Opal Farrow who has a government position in Washington, D.C., arrived Sunday evening for a few weeks vacation with her parents, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Farrow.

June 17---Opal Farrow returned to D. C.

1921

June 23---TEA PARTY---Miss Hazel Farrow had a tea party Tuesday, June 14, for twelve little girls.  Those invited were Sue Johnson, Doris Chaffin, Aline Bieber, Louise Findley, Alice Tilton, Ruth Melton, Marjorie Long, Marguerite Shaff, Evelyn Shilling, Helen Croft, Dorothy Collyer and Hazel Farrow, hostess.  Tea was served at 4 o'clock after which all departed.

Sept. 8---DR FARROW SELLS RESIDENCE---Dr. J. W. Farrow has sold his residence on North Main street to D S McAlister and will leave in a short time for Baltimore, Maryland, his old boyhood home.  Since Misses Ruby and Opal have located in Washington D.C., Dr. and Mrs. Farrow have planned to move to Washington.  They will be sadly missed in Moline where they have lived so long.

Sept 29---FAREWELL PARTY---About one hundred and fifty of the friends and neighbors of Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Farrow met at their home Wednesday evening for a farewell to them before they leave for their new home in Washington D.C.

   The evening was spent in social conversation and refreshments were served.  Dr. and Mrs. Farrow will be sadly missed when they leave which will be within a week or ten days.

Oct. 13---DR. FARROW LEAVE---Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Farrow and their daughter, Miss Hazel, left Sunday for Pottawatomie county where they will visit for two weeks with relatives before going to their new home in Washington D. C.
   
   They have lived in Moline since the infancy of the town and their lives are bound up with those of the people here in such intimate and friendly ways that their going leaves sad hearts.  Dr. Farrow has been a practicing physician here so long that many people have known no other doctor.  He has been public spirited and a part of the community's growth and activities, and a voice of wisdom and good cheer.  Mrs. Farrow has been a help in time of need to many and so full of kindness and good deeds that she will be deeply missed.

   Dr. and Mrs. Farrow go to their new home with universal good wishes for their happiness in their new home in the great capital city.

[genealogynut]

WOW! That is great research work, Dan!   Absolutely super! Very impressive!

[Mom70x7]

Whew!

I'm exhausted just reading it. That's a lot of work!

[ddurbin]

A few years back a lady researching her Farrow line (not a direct descendent of the Dr's.) posted a query about the Dr. and his family and their years in Moline.  It was about the same time I was reading a lot of the old papers, so I put that together for her.  I thnk it gives a good portrait of the day-to-day life of one of the 'prominent' families during that time.  I especially enjoyed the one listing the charges for doctor services----$2 for a house call!!!   It also shows that during the war years the young ladies also did their part, just as much as the young men.   Dr. John died in 1931.  The daughters all lived well past their seventies, with the youngest, Hazel, living up till Dec. 2003, age 93.

[genealogynut]

I think I remember seeing something in regards to that query either on Genforum or Rootsweb.  But usually if the query is a few years old, the address is no long valid.  I'm glad you were able to help her out.

Dan.....you very appreciated and a "valuable asset" to this Forum!

[Teresa]

Yes you are.. and I thank you very much for jumping in there and posting all of that.
Everyone is doing a great job.