Melvina F. Hayford, 1817-1899
History of the Hayford Family. 1100-1900. By Otis Hayford. (Canton, ME, 1901), 210-213.
Melvina F. Hayford, dau. of Zeri Hayford, b. Canton, Me., Sept. 19, 1817, d. Dec. 16, 1899 at Dorchester, Mass., m. Mar. 24, 1848, Addison Farwell, b. May 7, 1813, d. Dorchester, Mass., July 18, 1858. They had four children:
Sarah Farwell, b. Mar. 10, 1849, d. Mar. 22, 1849.
George Shepherd Farwell, b. Nov. 1, 1850, d. Sept. 6, 1877
Frfank Addision Farwell, b. Feb. 28, 1853, d. June 11, 1680.
Celestia Hayford Farwell, b. July 11, 1854, m. Levitt F. Humphrey
Melvina F. (Hayford) Farwell at an early age left her parental home in Canton, Me., and entered the employment of a wealthy family in Dorchester, Mass., with whom she lived until her marriage, having become attached to the family and they equally to her. After her marriage they settled in Roxbury, Mass., where her husband put on a line of coaches and omnibuses, running from there to Boston and returning on regular time. For a few years they remained there; his business rapidly increasing and being well fitted and prepared, he made of it a success in the fullest sense. Mr. Farwell was a kind, noble hearted man, of strictest integrity, generous and fair in all his business transactions. He commanded the respect and friendship of all; possessing marked business ability, clear judgment and a conception that was of great value to him in all his business relations. Diligent, industrious, with a perseverance that exceeded his physical strength and doubtless shortened his days here on earth, for he applied himself so closely and continuously as to seriously impair his health. Like many others in their days of “high Pressure,” he overtaxed his strength and broke down in health while yet in the midday of life. In the meantime he had disposed of his interests and property in Roxbury and moved to Upham’s Corner, Dorchester, where he put in another line of omnibuses for Boston and had a large livery stable connected with it. At this time Upham’s Corner was considered well out into the country and was but a scattered settlement compared to the city of to-day. This also proved a notable, financial success, but ill health compelled him to abandon it in its height of prosperity.
Mrs. Farwell was of great aid to her husband in all his undertakings, possessing excellent executive ability. She has continued to add to the property left her at her husband’s death, bringing up her own children, also an adopted son, with whom the same relations seemingly exist as with the other members of the family. She has bestowed great care and kindness in educating them to be bright and useful members and ornaments to society. And while the loss of her husband three of her children has brought deep sorrow to her and the remainder of her family, it has not prevented her from being the “Good Samaritan” these many years of her active life. She has several fine cottages at that noted seaside resort, Onset Bay, being one of the pioneers of that place. With her only living child, Mrs. Humphrey, and family, she spends a large portion of each summer season there, thereby enjoying as best she can, that rest which she is so justly entitled to and has so well and faithfully earned. The remainder of the year she resides in Dorchester, occupying the same residence as when her husband was living; her daughter and family, and adopted son, Charles E. Main, making their home with her. In sickness and in sorrows he has ever been found a kind helper and ready attendant.
[Here follows an extract from a poem addressed to Mr. Farwell by her sister-in-law. Then a piece labeled In Memoriam follows]