GAR Obituaries from Farrington to Freeman
George E. Farrington
George E. Farrington
"G.E. Farrington, Veteran, Expires,"
The Elgin Daily News, September 29, 1913, p. 1.
Survivor of Gettysburg Succumbs After Attending Big Reunion.
LONG WATCH SHOP FOREMAN
Soldier-Merchant Succumbs to a Five Weeks' Illness Following Trip.
George E. Farrington, for forty-six years a resident of Elgin and for twenty-five years foreman of the train department at the watch factory, died at his home, 381 South Liberty street, Sunday evening at 7:30 o'clock.
Mr. Farrington was born at Chester, Vermont, May 30, 1842, where he spent his boyhood days and where he attended school. He later attended the Springfield Wesleyan Seminary from which he graduated.
Came to Elgin in 1867.
He was an expert mechanic and in 1867 came to Elgin and entered the employ of the Elgin National watch company as foreman of the train department which is the largest division of the factory. He held the position until 1893 when he resigned and had since devoted his time to his personal affairs and the management of his property. He was a member of the city council for three years.
At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted in company E, Third Vermont Infantry, and served three years, being discharged as commissary sergeant of the regiment. It was while with this command that he was an active participant in the battle of Gettysburg and endured many hardships and privations, being with other members of the regisment in many hard fought battles.
Mr. Farrington was among the few survivors in Elgin of the great battle and attended the fiftieth anniversary last July. He took occasion to visit the scenes of his childhood in Vermont and met many old friends and relatives before returning to his home in Elgin.
Mr. Farrington was one of the most popular foremen ever employed by the watch company and his old employes showed their appreciation of his kindness and friendship during his last illness.
He was sick five weeks and fully realized that death was approaching. He requested that Veteran Post No. 49, G.A.R. of which he was a member, have charge of the services at the grave.
Family at Death Bed.
His widow, a son Herbert E. of Bluffton, S.C., and a daughter, Mrs. Clarence S. Cozzins, of Boston, were with him when he died.
The funeral will be held at the house Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. C.L. Morgan officiating. The burial will be at Bluff City cemetery where the G.A.R. ceremony will be held.