1854 Obituaries of Louisiana Lt. Governor William Wood Farmer, native and resident of Union Parish Louisiana Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by T. D. Hudson, 4/2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================== ================================================================================= 1854 Obituaries of Louisiana Lt. Governor William Wood Farmer, native and resident of Union Parish Louisiana ================================================================================== ================================================================================== BACKGROUND INFORMATION: William Wood Farmer was born on 27 April 1813 near what is now the Village of Downsville, in southern Union Parish Louisiana. At that time, this region was the Piney Hills along Bayou D'Arbonne in Ouachita Parish Louisiana. Farmer was the son of early Union Parish resident Mills Farmer and his wife, Susannah Wood. Mills Farmer was a soldier in the Louisiana militia during the War of 1812. He had moved to the Piney Hills near Bayou D'Arbonne about 1812. This makes the elder Farmer the second earliest known permanent white settler of what is now Union Parish (John Honeycutt, Sr. was the earliest one). At a relatively young age (in his early twenties), William W. Farmer entered politics. He served as a justice of the peace for Ouachita Parish prior to the creation of Union Parish in March 1839. The Union Parish citizens elected him to the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana Senate during the 1840s. He quickly became a favorite of the Democratic Party. He was the on the gubernatorial ticket of Paul O. Hebert as the candidate for Lieutenant Governor in the 1852 election, and they were elected to office. His popularity is apparent in the 1853 Louisiana Senate election for U. S. Senator. He polled the largest number of votes behind the eventual Senator, John Slidell. He was undoubtedly slated to become the next Democratic candidate for Governor of Louisiana. A surveyor, Farmer had gone to New Orleans to receive payment from the United States Land Office. He was supposed to return to Baton Rouge a week earlier, but some other duty delayed him, and then his boat broke down. The next day he caught yellow fever, then fairly common in New Orleans. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== ================================================================================== ================================================================================== The Louisiana Courier (New Orleans) Tuesday, 31 October 1854, page 1 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== DEATH OF W. W. FARMER On Sunday last, our community was shocked by the announcement of the death of W. W. Farmer, Lieutenant-Governor of the State. It had been known for some days that he had been suffering under an attack of yellow fever, yet, in spite of the malignant character of the disease, hope of his recovery were cherished as late as Saturday evening. But the morning of Sunday witnessed the extinction of these delusive hopes. At about seven o'clock, the patient breathed his last, and Louisiana lost one of her best beloved sons. The sad event, though not entirely unexpected, produced a great sensation in the public mind. It was but a few days since we saw him in the full vigor of health and manhood. We could scarcely realize that in so short a time we should follow his mortal remains to the silent tomb. William W. Farmer was a native of Louisiana, born upon the banks of the Ouachita, in the old Ouachita parish, in the month of April 1814. Had he lived a few months longer, he would, therefore, have completed his forty-first year - an early age, at which to be snatched from the friends who esteemed him, and the State which he served and adored. For some time his residence has been in Union parish, whose seat of justice bears his name, and attests the popularity he enjoyed where he was best known. But few men in that section of the State have ever stood higher in the estimation of their fellow-citizens -- indeed, at the time of his death, he might have been justly considered the most prominent public man in North Louisiana. His affable and engaging manners made him a favorite with all who knew him, and the strong, sound sense which he possessed in an eminent degree, gave him a high position in his party, by which he was looked to as one of its most trusted leaders. By profession, Gov. Farmer was a Surveyor, and much of his life had been devoted to that pursuit, although he was also, latterly, engaged in the cultivation of his plantation, in Ouachita parish. We learn that his last fatal visit to this city was connected with some business with the United States, relating to the survey of some Government lands. His business was settled in a short time, and he was prepared to leave the city within a short time after his arrival, but unfortunately he was unable to find conveyance homeward, and was in consequence exposed to the influence of the disease which so ruthlessly deprived him of his life, and the STate of one of its most useful and distinguished citizens. As a public man, Mr. Farmer has lately filled a large space in the eye of the people of Louisiana. At an early period he became prominent as a Democratic leader in his own section of the State, and was several times returned to the Legislature, serving at different periods in both branches. He was always considered an active, a useful and efficient member. He certainly possessed more of the confidence of his neighbors, and of the people of his vicinity, than was enjoyed by any other man in North Louisiana. This was manifested at the Democratic State Convention of 1852, where he was chosen, almost unanimously, to be the candidate of his party for Lieutenant-Governor at the first election to be held under the new Constitution. At the succeeding election he was chosen by a large majority, and at the meeting of the Legislature in January thereafter, took his seat as presiding officer of the Senate which devolved on him "ex officio", under the Constitution. In that capacity, his impartiality, and discerning judgment, were so clearly manifested, that even his political antagonists ceased to regard him with the bitterness of party spirit. His decisions were invariably respected, and almost invariably acquiesced in without an expression of dissent. In the Democratic caucus, held to nominate a candidate for the U. S. Senate, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Soule, Gov. Farmer was a candidate, and received a large vote. At the time of his death, he was regarded by numbers of friends as the most eligible candidate of the Democratic party for Governor at the next election, and, had he lived, we are certain that no more judicious choice could have been made. But inexorable death cut short his career, when it had only just begun. Noctes atque dies patet atri janua ditis. The gate of death lies open to receive alike the rich and poor, the good and great, the lowly and the vicious. Gov. Farmer has left a wife and two children - a son and a daughter. His wife was a Miss Mixon, but when married to Governor Farmer, was the widow of Mr. Mason. We believe they are left above want, as Governor Farmer, if not wealthy, was at least possessed of a compentency sufficient to place his family in a position of independence. His obsequies took place on Sunday evening. He was buried in the Protestant Cemetery in Girod street. His remains were followed to the grave by a large number of the Masonic fraternity, of which he was an esteemed member, as well as a vast concourse of citizens, including the principal State and federal officers now in the city, under military escort. We understand that the body will be removed to his home in Union Parish, andn placed at rest near the ashes of his kindred. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Note: The above obituary states that Farmer was born on 27 April 1814, but his tombstone in the Farmerville Cemetery gives his birth in 1813. Assuming that his tombstone was inscribed correctly, Farmer was exactly forty-one years and two days old at his death. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== The Daily Picayune (New Orleans) Monday Evening, 30 October 1854, page 1 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== DEATH OF LIEUT. GOV. FARMER ______________ The confidence which we expressed on Saburday morning, in the speedy recovery of the Lieutenant Governor, was unhappily misplaced. His disease assumed a more malignant type on that day. In the night black vomit appeared and he died early yesterday morning. The news spread rapidly and produced a deep sensation among his numerous friends, most of whom believed that he had left the city some days before, as he had appointed. On missing his trip, feeling ill, he had changed his lodgings so as to have regular nursing and attendance, and until the public mention of his illness in the papers, he was generally thought to have gone home. He had, however, the most skillful medical treatment and unremitting attentions. But the disease was too deadly to be made to release its grasp; and we are now informed that from the beginning the symptoms were considered very unfavorable. He thaught [sic] so himself, and without manifesting any terror of death entertained a full conviction that the restul would be fatal. He was buried yesterday evening at the Protestant Cemetery, on Girod street. The remains were taken from the Masonic Hall, on St. Charles street, under a large military escort, and followed to the grave by a large procession of citizens, among whom were all the prinicipal functionaries of the State and of the Federate Government and a numerous train of attached personal friends. The resting place in the cemetery will, it is understood, be only temporary. When the news of his death reaches his remote residence, where he has left an affectionate family, unconscious of their deprivation, and a community by which he was well-beloved, care will doubtless be taken to have his body disinterred and placed for its final rest among his own kindred. Gov. Farmer was about forty-two years of age, and has left a wife and two children. It is consoling to their friends, to know that their support is well provided for, as Gov. Farmer has left a liberal estate. Gov. Farmer's visit to this city was on business connected with his profession as surveyor. In that capacity he had an account with the United States, for the survey of certain lands in North Louisiana, and came here to receive payment. He was ready to go home on Saturday week, but was detained until Tuesday. On that day he started on the Carrier, Capt. Walker, but an accident happened to the boat just above the city and he was compelled to return the same evening. On Wednesday morning the disease attached him, which has proved fatal, and deprived the STate of one of its most prominent and rising citizens, and society of an estimable, useful and honorable member. Wm. W. Farmer was, we believe, a native of North Carolina, but was an early settler in North Louisiana, in what was formerly Ouachita parish, in that part which now forms Union parish. His plantation is in Ouachita still, but his residence and post office have remained in Union. His profession was, we believe, that of surveyor, but he has been also a successful planter and a considerable land-holder. With strong natural faculties, and a sturdy independence of character, he became a popular favorite, and having attached himself to the Democratic party, which was always predominent in that section of the State, he came to be considered one of its leading men before the people and in the State Legislature, where he served several terms. At the last gubernatorial election, which was the first under the new constitution, he was selected as the Democratic candidate for Lieut. Governor, on the ticket with Paul. O. Hebert, and was chosen by a considerable majority. In that capacity it was his duty to preside over the State Senate, which he had done for two sessions, with much ability; and in the Democratic caucus for the nomination of U. S. Senator to succeed Mr. Soule, he received a handsome vote, and was at last the principal competitor of Mr. Slidell. His popularity continued to increase, and, as it has been generally conceded that in the rotation of honors his party would take their next candidate for Governor from North Louisiana, Gov. Farmer has generally been considered as the first candidate for the nomination. He had not what might be called shining abilities, but he was a man of a clear head, sound judgment unquestioned integrity, and a certain simplicity of manners which was attachment whenever his reserrve could be overcome. His early death is a heavy loss to his friends, his family and the state. There is no provision in the constitution of the STate for filling the vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor. While the Governor is in health, and present, the Lieutenant Governor has no other duty than to preside over the Senate; and in his absence or inability to attend, the Senate elects a presiding officer in his place. There is no provision for the election by the people, of either Governor or Lieutenant Governor, occurring during the term for which they were elected. When the Governorship is vacant, the Lieutenant Governor succeeds, but there is no provision to supply the vacancy of the Lieutenant Governor, or to fill the full office in case of the death of both Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The constitution says that the Legislature may provide by law for that emergency, but they have not so provided. The President pro tem. of the Senate at the date of the last adjournment, was Robert C. Wickliffe, the Senator from West Feliciana. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Note: The above obituary states that Farmer was born in North Carolina, but this is incorrect. Farmer was the eldest son of Mills Farmer and Susannah Wood, who had only married the previous year. William W. Farmer was a native of what is now southern Union Parish, born near the current location of the Village of Downsville. Thus, his birth technically occurred in Ouachita Parish Louisiana. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== The New Orleans Commercial Bulletin Monday Morning, 30 October 1854, page 2 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== DEATH OF LIEUT. GOV. FARMER _______________ WILLIAM W. FARMER, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Louisiana, died at his lodgings in this city yesterday morning at 7 o'clock. This is a dad and melancholy event, which will come home with a crushing force to a large circle of relatives and friends, and will excite a melancholy sensation throughout the State. The circumstances attending the decease of this estimable gentleman and popular citizen, are peculiarly distressing. Only a few days since -- not more than a week, we believe -- he came to the city to attend to certain matters which he thought needed his care. Two or three days after his arrival he was stricken down with the fever, and yesterday morning was a corpse! Nothing could arrest the progress of the disease, although he had the best medical attendance and careful and constant attention in all respects. Lieutenant Gov. Farmer was a native of the State. He was born on the banks of the Ouachita river, and in the section of the country formerly known as Ouachita Parish, out of which four or five parishes have since been carved, as the country improved and settled up, leaving OUachita, although shorn in territorial dimensions, one of the largest and wealthiest parishes in Louisiana. He was a resident, if we are not mistaken, of Union Parish, at the time of his death. We presume he was about forty-five years of age. He leaves behind him an interesting family to mourn their irreparable loss. In all respects, by birth, habits, education and interests, Lieut. Gov. Farmer was identified with the welfare of Louisiana. he had grown with her growth and strengthened with her strength - her fortune was his fortune. At least so he felt and acted throughout his whole public and private career. He was a good man in the meet exaulted sense of the term -- true, honest and patriotic - unostentations, liberal and generous. He had a heart to feel for the distresses of others, and his hand ever seconded what his heart prompted. In November, 1852, he was elected Lieutenant Governor by a very large majority. Previous to that, however, he had acceptably represented his parish in the Legislature and had won for himself the reputation of a prudent, judicious and industrious member. As President of the Senate for the last two sessions, he proved himself to be an e xcellent parliamentarian and an impartial presiding officer -- always cool, prompt an decided. The Senate will deeply lament his loss. Mr. Farmer enjoyed flattering political prospects. Had he lived, he would have been, undoubtedly, the next Democratic candidate for Governor of Louisiana, and would have polled a strong, if not a successful vote. In his own immediate section his personal popularity was unbounded -- far surpassing that of his party -- a fact as creditable to his memory, as it is indisputable evidence of his virtues and merits as a citizen. A vast concourse of our people attended the remains of our late distinguished fellow-citizen to their resting place in the Protestant Cemetery, head of Girod street. As he was the second officer of the State government the military were called out to assist in paying the last tributes of respect. A very large number responded to the call, and made an imposing appearance. The Masonic fraternity, of which the deceased was an honored member, were also out in full force to see the proper rites paid to their departed brother. The funeral cortege started from the Masonic Hall, corner of St. Charles and Perdido streets, and proceeded on its mournful mission up to St. Charles to Girod, and thence to the cemetery. The bands played funeral dirges as the long procession wended its way to the burying ground, and all seemed saddened over the melancholy event, the last scene of which was about closing. We have rarely witnessed a more general expression of regret and sorrow upon the occasion of the demise of any citizen. We were pleased to notice this manifestation of respect and sympathy, for we know the earth does not cover the mortal remains of many nobler-hearted men than the late Lt. Gov. Farmer. During the day minute guns were regularly fired from Lafayette Square, and the firing was continued until sundown. "What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue." ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Democrat Advocate (Baton Rouge) Thursday, 2 November 1854 with the same article printed in the Daily Advocate Monday, 30 October 1854, No. 257, page 3 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== LIEUT. GOV. FARMER DEAD! New Orleans, Oct. 30th -- Lieut. Gov. Farmer died in this city on Sunday morning, of yellow fever. He was buried at half past four o'clock, P. M., and his remains were followed to the Protestant Cemetery by the military, the masonic fraternity, and a very large concourse of citizens. Guns were fired in honor of his memory until sunset. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Democrat Advocate (Baton Rouge) Thursday, 2 November 1854 with the same article printed in the Daily Advocate Monday, 30 October 1854, No. 257, page 3 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== SAD NEWS! DEATH OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FARMER!! We were shocked this morning, Oct. 30th, at hearing the painful intelligence communicated to us by Messrs. W. F. Tunnard & A. W. Bell, just up from New Orleans, of the death of our estimable and highly respected Lieut. Governor, W. W. Farmer. This mournful event is said to have taken place in the city, yesterday, where Gov. Farmer had been on a visit for some time past. Our informants derived their information when about leaving the city, from sources which leave us no room to doubt of its correctness. Govr. Farmer had been ill for several days, of the yellow fever, but his friends shortly before his death, supposed that he had safely passed the crisis, and on Saturday he was reported out of danger; indeed, the "Picayune" of that date announced that he was very much improved, and might be considered convalescent. The death of so prominent, useful and justly esteemed a citizen, must prove a public calamity of no slight moment. To the Democratic party of Louisiana, especially, his loss may be said to be almost irreparable. Upon him were the eyes of the party fixed as its next candidate for Gubernatorial honors; and aside from partizan feeling, his friends, whose name was legion, loved and honored him for the many private virtues which shone so brightly in his character. Gov. Farmer must have been about forty years of age. When at home, he resided at Farmerville, in Union Parish -- a section of the State, in which, we believe he was born and raised. He leaves a widow and daughter to mourn the sudden and deplorable event which has bereft them of a dearly devoted husband and father. The sympathies of the people of the whole State will generously mingle with theirs, under an affliction so universal in its character. Since writing the above, we have received a telegraphic dispatch confirming the intelligence and furnishing other particulars connected therewith, which our readers will find in another column. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Note: Farmer's tombstone in the Farmerville Cemetery carries this incription: "Died in New Orleans of Yellow Fever. Lt. Governor of Louisiana born in Ouachita. His remains were removed to this place by a joint committee of appointed 1-15-1855. As a mark of their personal friendship and respect, this monument was erected to his memory by the committee." He was buried beside his brother Sherwood Mills Farmer (4 May 1825 - 25 Sept 1852). ###########################################################