Source: History of Kansas
H. W. FARNSWORTH was born in Brattleboro, Vt., October 13, 1816. He remained
and was educated in his native town until he entered college at Williamston,
in 1836, from which institution he graduated in 1840. After leaving College
he went to Alabama and taught school until December, 1841, and then returned
to New England and became Principal of the Female Academy in New London,
Conn., retaining the position until March, 1855. He then engaged in the
railroad business one year, and March 4, 1856, turned his steps toward the
West, arriving at Lawrence, Kansas, May 9, 1856, and locating in Topeka a few
days later.
Mr. Farnsworth and partners built the first grist and saw mill which was
constructed on the town site, running it until January, 1861, and retaining a
third interest until 1864. He was a member of the first State Senate,
representing the district comprising the counties of Jefferson, Jackson and
Shawnee.
In June, 1861, he was appointed by Mr. Lincoln agent for the Kansas Indians,
and held that position until October, 1866. December 1, 1866, he was
appointed one of three special commissioners to inspect all the Kansas Indian
tribes, and take deputations of the various tribes--about thirteen in all--to
Washington, to effect treaties preparatory to the removal of the Indians from
Kansas.
During the years of his connection with Indian affairs, Mr. Farnsworth
resided at the Indian agency house, but on concluding his work in May, 1867,
removed his family to Topeka to the house he built in 1856, and in which he
still resides.
In March, 1869 he was appointed Postmaster of Topeka by Gen. Grant, and held
that office four years. He was Mayor of the city one term. He has always been
prominently identified with the religious and educational interests of
Topeka--being one of the founders and for many years a deacon of the
Congregational Church, a trustee of Washburn College since its organization,
and for several years a member of the school board, now and for many years
its clerk.
Mr. Farnsworth was married in Boston, Mass., March 17, 1842, Della T. Lerow,
a native of Orange, Mass., who died June 5, 1850, leaving two children--Kate
L., now Mrs. Carlos G. Akin, a widow of Topeka, and Mary A., now Mrs. Henry
C. Akin, of Omaha, Neb.
He was again married at New London, Conn., December 3, 1855, to Harriet A.
Stoddard, of New London. They have five children--Will S., born in Topeka,
September 10, 1856, Adaline L., born in June, 1858,; James W., born April,
1860;, Coit L., born at Kansas Agency, April, 1863; Fred C., born at Kansas
Agency, April, 1866. Mr. Farnsworth is a mason of twenty-one years' standing,
having been a member of Topeka Lodge No. 17 that number of years, and
secretary since 1876.
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