Notes on Levi L. Farr (1839 - 1908)
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Notes on Levi L. Farr
From "Portrait and Biographical Album of Fayette County, Iowa", (Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co., 1891), page 426.
LEVI L. FARR, of the firm of Scobey, Taylor & Farr, dealers in and shippers of horses and other live stock, has carried on business in this line in West Union since 1887. He is a native of Illinois. On the 2d of May, 1839, he was born in DeKalb County, gracing the union of James and Electa (Hollenbeck) Farr. His father was born in the Empire State in 1798, and died in the fall of 1873, at the ripe old age of seventy-five years. His mother, who was born in Pennsylvania, on the 23d of July, 1812, is still living and makes her home in West Union. In early life his parents were both residents of Ohio, whence they removed in 1836, to DeKalb County, Ill., where they were among the early pioneers.
Levi Farr, whose name heads this sketch, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, and in the schools of the neighborhood acquired his education. On attaining to mature years he chose as a companion on life's journey, Miss Catherine Gable. They were joined in wedlock in DeKalb, on the 3d of January, 1859. The lady was born near Buffalo, N. Y., and her father was William Gable. They have three children, daughters: Gena, the eldest, is the wife of J. G. McMasters, of West Union, now County Recorder; Rena and Helen reside with their parents.
The year 1862 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Farr and his family in this county, and in Fayette he took up his location. On the 22d of September of that year, prompted by his patriotic spirit, he responded to his country's call for troops, and enlisted with the boys in blue of Company C, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, serving three years. His regiment was assigned to the department of the West, on duty among the Indian reservations, and participated in the battle of White Stone Hill, Dak., September 3, 1863, where the Sixth Iowa performed the task of surrounding the Indians and driving them in. When night closed down around them, the Indians succeeded in beating a retreat, and the regiment went into camp on the battlefield. On the 28th of July, 1864, the Sixth Iowa Cavalry took part in the engagement with the Indians at Tahkahokutah, where the red men were driven out of their position among the rocks. On the 8th of August, the regiment had a skirmish with a heavy force of Indians on the Little Missouri, after which it went into winter quarters at Sioux City, Iowa, and was there mustered out October 17, 1865.
On his return from the war, Mr. Farr resumed the occupation of farming in this county, which he followed in pursuit of fortune until 1878, when he was elected to the office of County Sheriff. So ably did he discharge the duties of that position, that he was re-elected and served for six years, and then acted as Deputy Sheriff for four years. In 1887 he formed a partnership with O. E Taylor in the livery business, and subsequently in the horse and live stock business. In addition to their extensive trade in buying and shipping horses, this company keeps on hand a number of the finest heavy draft French stock. As a business man and citizen, Mr. Farr's course has been one to command confidence and respect. He made a faithful and competent Sheriff for six years, and was always reliable in the discharge of duty. In politics he is a stalwart supporter of Republican principles, and has exerted his influence and given his support for the advancement and welfare of that party. Socially he is a member of West Union Lodge, No. 25, A. O. U. W., and of Abernethy Post, No 48, G. A. R., of West Union.
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