Edward E. Farrar

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During the quarter of a century that Edward E. Farrar lived and worked in Rison, he established a name or industry, progress and business ability that placed him in the front rank of its citizens. He was skillful in the lumbering business in which he was engaged during his entire mature life, had a keen brain for investment opportunity and was one of the strongest advocates for the improvement of the public educational facilities.

He served in public office, only leaving because of ill health. An inveterate reader and student of public questions, his advice and counsel were much sought in the affairs of town and country.

He was born in Arcadia, Missouri, June 26, 1860, a son of Dr. George W., a native  of Missouri, and a practicing physician, and Harriett P. (Russell) Farrar. Mrs. Farrar’s father was a native of Connecticut, and a merchant in Russellville, Missouri, for whom the town was named.

Edward E. Farrar was educated in the schools of Arcadia, Missouri, leaving when sixteen years of age to enter the employ of Judge E.J. Langdon, at Cotton Plant, Missouri, where he worked for several years at the cotton gin and in the general store. He was engaged for a time in the lumbering business in Missouri, coming to Arkansas in 1890 and locating at Fordyce, where he became manager and part owner of the Fordyce Lumber Company.

Ten years later he moved to Rison and managed the J.I. Porter Lumber Company, until 1914.  During this period he bought and sold large tracts of timberland in Arkansas and was owner of two large farms in Missouri.

Mr. Farrar served on the School Board for ten years and for several years was a member of the Board of Aldermen. He was a Republican and a Methodist, and was a valued member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mrs. Farrar was a member of the Order of the Easter Star. Mr. Farrar died in Rison, on September 10, 1925. 

Edward E. Farrar married in McMineville, Tennessee, July, 1896, Mary E. Langdon, daughter of Truman C., a merchant of Cotton Plant, Missouri and Mary L. Langdon. Heir children were: Robert C., Nellie V., Edward E., Ruby L., Truman L., Charlie E., Gladys J., and Mary Ellen.

Submitted by Belinda (Brown) Winston