CHARLES T. FARRELL

Stoughton Postmaster in 1918

Charles T. Farrell is filling the office of postmaster in the city of Stoughton, where his birth occurred on the 9th of September 1873, his parents being Thomas and Mary E. (Drake) Farrell, who were likewise natives of Stoughton. The father was a shoe worker, devoting his entire life to that line of business, and he always remained a resident of Stoughton until called to his final home on the 2d of January, 1888. His widow still survives and following the death of her first husband she became the wife of Martin H. Carr, who passed away in October, 1917.

No event of unusual importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Charles T. Farrell in his boyhood and youth, which were passed in his native city, his time being largely devoted to the acquirement of a public school education. When his textbooks were put aside he began work in a shoe factory and was engaged in that way until February 16, 1916, when he was appointed to the position of postmaster, and in that capacity he has since served.

On the 4th of October, 1899, Mr. Farrell was united in marriage to Miss Annie T. Willis, a daughter of Henry F. and Maria (McDonald) Willis, who are natives of Ireland. They came to America in early life and established their home in Massachusetts, where the father engaged in business as a tanner. About 1887 he became foreman with the Stoughton Rubber Works and has held that position throughout the intervening period, covering three decades.

His wife is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Farrell have become the parents of nine children, Eldon W., Helen G., Dorothy, Claire E., Clarence F., Charles T., Elva M., Naomi and Richard O. Five of the number are now attending school.

Mr. Farrell has served as secretary and as chairman of the democratic town committee for a period of two years and has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and has done everything in his power to advance its interests. His grandfather, John Farrell, was the first Irishman that ever settled in Stoughton. He took up his abode here when a youth of seventeen years and died at the age of eighty-four. He was of the Catholic faith and to that faith the family have since adhered, Mr. Farrell being a communicant of the church at Stoughton. He is a grand knight of the Knights of Columbus and he belongs to the Hibernian Lodge, of which he has been president. He has always lived in Stoughton and his life history is as an open book which all may read. His career has been one of diligence and his perseverance and energy have brought him to the creditable position which he occupies in the public regard.

Source: History of Norfolk County Massachusetts 1622-1918 (New York, S. J. Clark Publishing Co., 1918), 2:63-64.

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