People

John Farrell

John Farrell (1803–1879) was an Irish-born pioneer farmer and one of the early settlers of Dundee Township, Kane County, Illinois. He arrived in the United States in boyhood and located in Dundee Township in 1837, among the first wave of settlers to establish themselves in the area. By the time of his death he had accumulated approximately 900 acres of land, making him one of the larger landowners in the township. (Source: *Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Kane County* (1904))

Known Activities

Farrell devoted his life to farming in Dundee Township, acquiring land steadily over the course of several decades. The scale of his holdings at death — reported at approximately 900 acres — suggests a sustained and deliberate effort at land accumulation consistent with the opportunities available to early settlers who arrived before the township was fully settled. (Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Kane County (1904))

He was married to Catherine Donovan Farrell, who died in 1865. Their son, William Farrell, was born in Dundee Township on April 12, 1840, and went on to become a farmer, stock-raiser, and longtime Road Commissioner in the township. (Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Kane County (1904))

Timeline

YearEvent
1803Born in Ireland
boyhoodEmigrated to the United States (exact date not recorded)
1837Located in Dundee Township with other first settlers
1840Son William Farrell born in Dundee Township (April 12)
1865Wife Catherine Donovan Farrell died
1879Died; estate included approximately 900 acres in Dundee Township
## Family
  • Catherine Donovan Farrell (d. 1865) — wife of John Farrell
  • William Farrell (b. April 12, 1840) — son; farmer, stock-raiser, and Road Commissioner in Dundee Township; married Catherine McCartney in 1868

Sources

  • Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Kane County (1904). Available at: https://archive.org/details/historicalencycl00unse#offset-4521374