ISAAC FARNBAKER, merchant. Cairo, was born in Bavaria, Germany, son of Solomon Farnbaker and Zerlina Teldhahn. He grew to manhood and received an education in Germany, learning the trade of weaver when young. In 1840, being then twenty years old, he came to the United States, and for four years made his home in the city of New York, though engaged during the time to travel, two years in Maine and two years in the South. He then made a permanent settlement or residence in Mississippi until 1856, at which time he came to Cairo, and cast in his lot with the pioneers of that city, which at that time contained but few of the present buildings of Cairo. The town of Cairo was in need of just such enterprise and energy as Mr. Farnbaker possessed, the impress of which has been realized and felt for years. He embarked in the clothing trade in 1856, and has been actively engaged in that line since, a portion of the time having two stores in Cairo, and one in Paducah, Ky., besides, from 1864 to 1872, he was conducting a wholesale establishment in the city of New York. In 1862, he paid $10,000 in currency for the lot on corner of Levee and Sixth streets, now occupied by Mr. F. Korsmeyer. His present location is corner of Commercial avenue and Seventh street. He was married, 1849, at Natchez, Miss., to Mrs. Eliza A. Flippen. She was born at the above named city on November 22, 1826. Their family consists of three sons, viz., Solomon, Joseph and Morris Farnbaker; the latter married in Cairo, in 1880, to Miss Ellen Torrence, daughter of Smith Torrence, of that place. They have one child — a daughter.
Extracted 31 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, pages 15-16.
| Cape Girardeau MO |
Union | |
 |
Pulaski | |
| Scott MO | Mississippi MO | Ballard KY |
