Biographical Sketch of

Joseph Farrington

Transcribed by Barbara Voss


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 470 and 473
Farrington, Fuller, Smith
Joseph Farrington, deceased. Probably no man in Marquette County did more for its upbuilding and advancement during 
its early history or was more widely and favorably known than he whose name heads this sketch. The history of the 
establishment of the Farrington family in America dates back to 1620, when three brothers of that name embarked on 
the �Mayflower� for the New World. Though many were the misgivings of their friends and the fears of the crew, the 
vessel at length reached its destination in safety. One of the brothers became resident of Lynn, Mass., and built 
the first gristmill in that city, it being the first gristmill in the United States. It was mentioned in his will, 
No. 1 that grist�s be given to Mr. Fuller, his father in law. William Farrington, the father of Joseph was one of 
the first settlers of Madison County, N.Y., where he was employed to operate a sawmill for the Indians.

The subject of this sketch was born in Madison County, N.Y., August 7, 1814 and was one of a family of nine children. 
The record of his early years is similar to that of all boys. When he had arrived at man�s estate, he was united in 
marriage in his native county, on the 14th of January, 1835, with Miss Cornelia Smith, who was born August 26, 1817. 
For nine years they resided in Madison County but in 1845 started for the far West, their destination being the 
Territory of Wisconsin. The journey was made by water to Milwaukee and thence by teams to Ft. Atkinson. Where they 
remained for two years when they removed to Wyocena, Columbia County, where Mr. Farrington entered Government land. 
He was the fourth settler in his town and there continued farming until 1854, when he became a resident of Harrisville, 
Marquette County was then but sparsely settled and the most far sighted could scarcely have imagined, much less realized, 
the great changes which were so soon to take place. In company with two cousins, E.W. and C.L. Farrington, he built a 
gristmill in Harrisville which he operated for some years. In all possible ways he aided in the advancement and 
improvement of the county and was one of its prominent citizens. Few men witnessed the growth of the State from an 
earlier day than he. While living in Ft. Atkinson, as one of a company of fourteen, he crossed the prairies to Oshkosh, 
and found there only an Indian trading post. The whole population of the State did not exceed the number of inhabitants 
now found in many of the counties and the Indians were far more numerous in some localities than the white settlers. 
Identifying himself with all interests that tended to promote the general welfare and occupying a prominent place in 
business circles. Mr. Farrington gained an extensive acquaintance and was familiarly known throughout the surrounding 
country as �Uncle Joe.� While in Columbia County he served as Justice of the Peace and Territorial Commissioner and 
after coming to Marquette County served as Justice of the Peace and member of the Town Board and at one time was 
candidate for the Legislature.

The death of this noble pioneer occurred February 6, 1885 and sincere regret was felt by all who knew him. He had led a 
useful and consistent Christian life and for many years was Deacon in the Baptist Church, with which he was united when 
a young man. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and never wavered in his allegiance to the principles of that party. 
He was a great admirer of Andrew Jackson and took an active part in the Presidential campaign succeeding his election, 
helping to plant a hickory tree in the city of Utica; N.Y. Mrs. Farrington is still living, at the age of seventy two 
years. For half a century that worthy couple traveled life�s journey together but four years ago they were separated by 
the hand of death to be united again in that land prepared for the righteous. Mrs. Farrington is also a member of the 
Baptist Church and takes great delight in serving her Master.

 




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