John Farmer was a son of William & Rebecca Farmer of North Carolina YM.
The Annual Monitor for 1858, pp. 45-47, reported the following about his life:
"He was a native of North Carolina, his parents being Baptists. His education and training, until his fourteenth year, were strictly in accordance with the principles held by that body of Christians. During his minority, his parents removed with their family to Georgia, where they were soon after, through the instrumentality of Job Scott, convinced of the principles held by the Society of Friends, and became members, together with their children. He used frequently to speak of his mother's zeal and faithfulness in the performance of her religious duty, and of her having to walk ten miles to meeting. In these little pilgramages some of her children usually accompanied her. The recollection of her dedication was precious to him, and doubtless not without its fruits in after life. In 1799, he was united in marriage with Mary Taylor; and after a few years, being apprehensive that it was not best for them to remain longer in a land of oppression, they removed, with their family, to Ohio. They sacrificed much to accomplish this; and the numerous hardships and trials that were encountered in removing (which occupied three months) and settling in the wilderness, appeared to be sanctified to him. He was careful to attend to the smallest intimations of what he believed to be the leadings of the Holy Spirit, and said that by so doing he had several times been preserved from actual outward danger. He filled the station of Elder for many years, and was a diligent attender of our religious meetings, and faithful in encouraging others, by word as well as example. He was a careful searcher of the Holy Scriptures, and in the habit of reading them daily in his family, often remarking that the more he read them, the more he was led to admire the goodness of God in sending His dear Son into the world, 'that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.' In his last sickness, he dwelt much upon this theme, dear to all believers - the goodness of God in Christ Jesus - frequently saying, 'Oh that all men would come to believe in the only plan of salvation!' As the solemn close drew near, the earnest breathing of his spirit for a clearer evidence of acceptance was mercifully granted; and in reply to one who inquired how he felt, he said, 'My sufferings have been great, but I have a clear evidence of my Saviour's love;' and, under the influence of sweet peace, he passed away, to join the saints in heaven."
Sources: EAQG 4:624, 904 |
