STEPHEN H. FARNAM, who died in Oneida, November 17, 1897, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, was for many years a well known and highly esteemed citizen and merchant of this village. He was born in Hartwick, Otsego county, N. Y., May 22, 1822, a son of Noah and Rhoda (Bancroft) Farnam. When quite young he took up his residence in Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., where he was engaged for many years in a manufacturing business, his principal product being axes. At one time his factory was entirely demolished by high water, but he demonstrated his excellent business ability and characteristic energy by at once rebuilding, and few knew or realized the blow his interests has suffered. Mr. Farnam conducted this factory for some time after his removal to Oneida in the spring of 1862. On his arrival here he bought the hardware business of Saunders & Barnett, forming a copartnership with A. R. Turner. This association continued until 1867 when Mr. Turner was succeeded by Mr. Farnam's son, W. J. Farnam, and the business was conducted under the firm name of S. H. Farnam & Co., until 1890 when Mr. Farnam retired, having gained a competency and well merited rest, for he was essentially a self-made man, and the architect of his own fortunes, having started in life at the early age of thirteen years with no capital. During his residence in Oneida he was identified with many prominent local enterprises. At the time of his death he was president of the National State Bank, having been one of the original directors of the old First National Bank. He was also president of the Glenwood Cemetery Association, and to him and T. F. Hand, and the late Hon. George Berry, are the public indebted for one of the handsomest burial grounds in Central New York. He was one of the organizers and first directors of the Oneida Gas Light Company, and served on its board of directors until his death. Mr. Farnam was a valued citizen, and on every occasion possessed and exhibited the most genial and manly traits of character; he gave earnest and faithful service to many of the town's enterprises, and was generous in his support of all public institutions. He was a regular attendant of the First Presbyterian church, and a member of Oneida Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M. Mr. Farnam first married Elizabeth McChesney, and four children were born to them, two of whom survive: W. J. Farnam, and Mrs. James Selkregg. In 1886 he married Sarah Laraway Newkirk of Leeds N. Y., who survives him.

Source:

Our county and its people:
a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York

Boston:
Boston History Co.
1899.