Moses H. Farnum, a prominent resident of Concord, was born in Concord, February 3, 1811, son of Moses and Esther (Carter) Farnum. The family is of Welsh origin. Ralph Farnum, the first of the name in this country, came from Wales and settled in Andover, Mass. He subsequently removed to Concord, N.H.; and his descendants have continued to hold and occupy his original land purchase in that town up to the present time. Ephraim Farnum, son of Ralph and the great-grandfather of Moses H., born on the paternal estate, resided thereon throughout his life. His son, also named Ephraim, was born on the same estate, passed his life in its cultivation and improvement, and died at the age of ninety-four years. The maiden name of Grandfather Farnum’s wife was Judith Hall.
Moses Farnum, son of Ephraim and the father of the subject of this sketch, was also born on the paternal estate, and passed his life there as a farmer. A portion of his house is still standing. He served his town as Selectman for a time, and he attained the age of seventy-one years. The second of his two marriages was contracted with Esther Carter, a sister of his first wife. He reared a family of six children.
Moses H. Farnum received his education partly in the district schools and partly in a private school of Concord. He has passed his long life on his patrimonial estate, devoting his time and attention to its improvement. Reduced by subdivision, the property now contains one hundred acres. In 1870 he erected on it a fine set of new buildings. Prior to the incorporation of Concord as a city Mr. Farnum served it as Selectman for a number of years. Afterward he was several times elected by his townsmen to represent them in the city government. He also held the office of Assessor of Taxes in his ward for a number of years. In 1883 he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature.
Mr. Farnum has been twice married. By his first wife, Judith A. Kilburn Farnum, his children were: Frank B., residing in Concord, who married Sadie Brown, of Boscawen, and has two children; Anna L., who married Charles Farnum, and resides in the neighborhood; and Edward E., who married Mary Larthard of P.E. Island, has one child, Judith H., and lives on the homestead. For his second wife he married Ann Hale, the widow of Asa L. Pervier, and a daughter of Isaac and Betsy (Pearson) Hale. Born of this marriage is one son-Ralph Perley Farnum, who lives at home.
In politics Mr. Farnum is a Republican. He cast his first Presidential ballot for Martin Van Buren in 1836. Both he and Mrs. Farnum are members of the West Congregational Church of Concord. He has the satisfaction of looking back over an unusually well-spent and useful life, and that brought by the confidence and respect of all who know him.