Bio: Farrish, Robert (1832 - 1868)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Farrish, Richards, Canning, Swicher, McKay, Seeley

----Source: History of Northern Wis. (Wood County, Wis.) 1881, page 1205

ROBERT FARRISH, merchant, Grand Rapids, was born in New Brunswick, in June, 1832. His father, William Farrish was of Scotch descent. He followed lumbering in New Brunswick until 1857, when he removed with his family to Grand Rapids, Wis., where he died June 21, 1868, at the age of seventy-four, leaving seven children — Elizabeth, Mrs. Richards, who has since died at Grand Rapids; Jane, now Mrs. McKay, of Stevens Point; Mary, now Mrs. Swicher, of Wausau; Catharine, now Mrs. Canning, of Grand Rapids; William, who is now engaged in lumbering in Anatone, Columbia Co., Washington Territory, John and Robert, of the firm of Farrish & Bro., Grand Rapids. Robert came to Grand Rapids, December, 1856, and engaged in logging and lumbering, also was clerk in a store some time, and in 1876 formed a partnership with his brothers, William and John, as dealers in hardware, dry goods and groceries. In 1878, William withdrew from the firm. Robert was married, December, 1863, to Miss Mary Ann Seeley, of Barrabo. They have had four children, two of whom are living. Robert was made a Mason in New Brunswick, in 1856, and now belongs to the Chapter at Stevens Point. John was married to Miss Ellen McKay, of New Brunswick, Oct. 22, 1874.