Albert Born Farnsworth
"Farnsworth.
Albert Farnsworth was born in Boston, Mass., March 14, 1830, and when about five years old, the family moved to New York City where they resided about three years.
They then moved to Brookfield, now Massilon, Stark County, Ohio. After residing in Brookfield until a boy of eleven years, his parents moved by wagon in the year of 1841 to the old homestead in Milford township, Defiance county, where he was reared to manhood.
There were in all twelve brothers and sisters to share the pleasures of his boyhood days. He learned the carpenter's trade in early manhood and labored and toiled, helping wrest Defiance county from its native wilderness and fit it for habitation. Few, if any, contributed more than did Mr. Farnsworth. It is meet that for the arduous and important labor he has performed he should receive his due credit.
Upon the home farm in Milford township, he resided until his marriage, August 30, 1854, to Miss Eliza Martin, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Reuben and Thankful (Bolton) Martin, who in 1853, removed from Portage county, Ohio, to Milford township, this county.
Five children were born of this union: Newell A., Emma, wife of Frank Place, Warren A., Effie, wife of C. E. Warner, and Charles H. The mother departed this life December 21, 1894, in Hicksville.
October 8, 1896, Mr. Farnsworth was again married. His second union being with Mrs. Catherine (Tracht) Hilbert, a daughter of Peter Tracht and a widow of Isaac Hilbert, who departed this life October 10 1917.*
(*printing error)
During the Civil War, deceased manifested his patriotism by enlisting in August, 1862, in Company F, 111th O.V.I. for three years, and was made a non-commissioned officer. After one year's service, he was placed in detached duty in the Engineer Corps. He participated in the Battle of Murfreesboro, in the siege of Knoxville, as well as in several skirmishes, and when his term of service had expired, he was honorably discharged.
His experience was a remarkable one, he having been providentially saved from guerrilla bullets and rope while serving as Recruiting Officer in East Tennessee, in the organizing of colored troops; also in a successful rescue of three comrades from a watery grave, taking them from a wreck in a frail skiff in Holston River, while it was at high water mark and covered with rapidly floating ice.
While living in Milford township, he held the offices of trustee and clerk, but never cared for political honors.
At the age of twelve years, he was converted to God, and as there was no church in that vicinity at that time, he did not unite with any congregation until he was twenty-one, and lived a true and consistent Christian life for sixty-seven years. He was a member of the U. B. church and has served as class leader and superintendent of Sunday School for ten successive years, and took an active part until his sickness prevented his attending services.
He departed this life July 28, 1918, at his residence on North Main street. aged 88 years, 4 months and 14 days. As an honored pioneer, highly respected citizen, and devoted Christian, his memory is worth of being perpetuated. May his mantle fall upon others. Funeral services were held from the U.B. church, conducted by Rev. J. W. Lilly, assisted by Rev. Hendrickson. Interment in Forest Home Cemetery."
Hicksville Tribune, August 15, 1918
For more information on Albert Farnsworth, visit
