22 December 1885 to 20 January 1967
A remarkable pioneer who played an important role in the construction of
the Hoover Dam in Nevada and later became a US Senator
FAR00607
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See also the Farndales of Tidkinhow
Carpenter, Union
Leader and Senator for Nevada State.
Tidkinhow
1885
James Farndale was born on
22 December 1885 at Tidkinhow, the son of
Martin and Catherine Jane (nee Lindsay) Farndale (FAR00364) of Tidkinhow Farm (PR and family knowledge).
James Farndale’s birth was registered for
Guisborough District in the first quarter of 1886 (GRO
Vol 9d page 493). James was the first member of the family to be born at Tidkinhow. He was the sixth child and the
fourth son of Martin and
Catherine Farndale.
1891
The 1891 Census for Tidkin Howe, Stanghow listed Martin Farndale,
46, farmer and ironstone miner; Catherine Farndale, 35; John Farndale, 12, born
1879 at Kilton; Elizabeth Farndale, 11, born 1880 at Kilton; Martin Farndale,
9, born 1882 at Kilton; George Farndale, 8, born 1882 at Kilton; Catherine J
Farndale, 6, born 1885 at Ugthorpe; James Farndale, 5, born 1886,
Stanghow; Mary F Farndale, 2, born 1889, Stanghow; and William Farndale, 0,
born 1891, Stanghow.
As
with his siblings, James started school, aged 5, with his brothers and sisters
and, at age 11, he went to Boosbeck, but unlike the rest
except Kate, he on to Guisborough County School.
1901
On
leaving school, James worked for a
local farmer called Petch for a while, was a miner for a while and helped his
father at Tidkinhow. He
was always keen on learning and in his early days he was always studying and
reading. He, like his siblings, would listen to all the talk about Canada and he would have
seen that there was little hope for him at home.
The 1901
census for Whitely Springs Farm, Egglescliffe, Stockton,
County Durham listed James Farndale, aged 15, a stockman to John Oldfield, the farmer.
There were two stockmen, and his fellow stockman was Joseph Chaplow.
1908
James
Farndale in about 1908
1910
The
boys of Tidkinhow in about 1910 (John, James, Alfred, William, George
and inset Martin).
Alberta, Canada
1911
James
Farndale, emigrated to Alberta,
Canada in 1911.
On 31 March 1911, James (“Jim”) sailed to Canada on the SS
Canada. James Farndale departed Liverpool and arrived Halifax, Nova Scotia
on 10 April 1911.He travelled with his brother, George Farndale, who emigrated
with him. There is a transcript of Jim’s diary recording his emigration to
Canada. It is recommended that you read his diary, which is a contemporaneous
record of his journey to Canada and his first month there. His journey across the Atlantic, almost exactly a year before RMS
Titanic sank, is told in the Atlantic Crossings. The story of Jim’s journey across
Canada and his time in Alberta is told in Act 27 Scene 3 of the Farndale Story.
Jim arrived in Alberta to
stay with his brother Martin Farndale.
He did not stay long in Canada before he went to America for the
rest of his life (Our Huxley Heritage).
Valparaiso University, Illinois
1915
Jim did not stay long in Canada before he went to
America for the rest of his life. Jim always wanted to improve his
education and there wasn't much chance in those early days in Canada. So he
decided to go on to USA. He 1915, he managed to get into Dulath
High School from where he got himself a
place at Valpraiso University in Indiana (From
notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and
Janie Rydell).
Valparaiso
University (Valpo) is a private university in Valparaiso, Indiana. It is an
independent Lutheran university with five undergraduate colleges and a graduate
school. In 1905 the university formed an affiliation with Chicago College of
Dental Surgery to provide dental education for its students. For the next two
decades, Valpo gained a national reputation as an economical institution of
higher learning, earning its positive nickname The Poor Man’s Harvard.
At the height of enrollment in 1907, it was the
second-largest school in the nation, behind only Harvard University. In 1914,
monthly literary magazine The Torch was founded; it became the university's
weekly student newspaper in 1915.
1916
Extract
from the Torch, 14 April 1916
1917
It was on 20 January 1917 at Valpraiso
University that he met Edna Adams whom
he married on 25 September 1917. (From notes taken
by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and Janie Rydell).
When the USA
declared war on Germany in 1917, Jim joined the American Army Enlisted in US
Army at Plymouth, Indiana. Jim enlisted on 31 August 1917.
James Farndale, married
Edna Adams on 25 September 1917 (US
Marriages).
(The
Argos Reflector, 4 October 1917)
James
and Edna
James and Edna after their wedding on 25 September 1917
Overseas Service
Jim served in the US Army in
France from 1917 to 1918. James enlisted on 31 August 1917 and was discharged
on 1 August 1919. Jim was posted to San Antonio, Texas and then to Dijon,
France. Very little is known of his military service except that he caught a
very bad dose of influenza from which he never did fully recover. However at
the end of the war, he did manage to visit Tidkinhow
again. (From notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from
Edna Farndale and Janie Rydell).
He
served with 304 Repair Shop Motor Transport Company from 31 August 1917 to 1
August 1919 (Headstone application, see below)
Plymouth, Indiana
James
in Plymouth, Indiana in 1917
1918
James
amongst a field of corn and pumpkins in about 1918
Jim’s citizenship
petition, 20 July 1918
In 1918, he was posted to San Antonio where he left the army. He and
Edna returned to live at Plymouth, Indiana, but by then Jim had developed lung
trouble. He began to make a living at carpentry (From
notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and
Janie Rydell).
In
1918, Jim visited Tidkinhow after the war ended (From notes taken by Martin
Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and Janie Rydell).
1919
James
Farndale departed from Brest France on 15 July 1919, a sergeant with Repair
Unit 309, Section 14 (US Transport Service Arriving and Departure
Passenger Lists).
1920
On 12
January 1920 James Farndale, 34, was a carpenter for houses and he
lived, with Edna, 25, at La Porte City, Indiana, which is about 20 kilometres
east of Chicago. On 23 December 1920 it was announced that Mr and Mrs James
Farndale are planning to go to California next week.
The US
1920 Census, taken on 12 January 1920 for La Porte City, Indiana, USA (about
20km east of Chicago) listed James Farndale, married, 34, carpenter for
‘houses’ and Edna Farndale, married, 25
The South
Bend Tribune, 23 December 1920: Plymouth. Mr and Mrs James Farndale are planning
to go to California next week.
Los Angeles, California
During 1920, Jim and Edna
moved to Los Angeles to
try to get to a better climate and to be near Edna's parents. They built a
house for Edna’s parents, then Jim built their own home (From
notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and
Janie Rydell).
Between
1920 and 1927, Jim worked in an
architect’s office in Los Angeles, attending University of California (From
notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and
Janie Rydell).
At
this time, Jim was working in an architect's office and at the same time, he
was attending the University of California in Los Angeles. He did this until
1929 when his health began to give him serious trouble and the doctors said he
must live in a really dry climate.
1921
On 1
December 1921 at Sierra Madre near Pasadena, the Congregational Church
bazaar, under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid Society of this church will open
to the public at 10 o’clock Friday morning in the woman's clubhouse. Mrs
Farndale will be in charge at the children's corner (Pasadena Post, 1 December 1921).
1922
Hazel Jane (Janie) Farndale (FAR00881)
was born in September 1922 in California (letters).
At this
time, Jim was working in an architect's office and at the same time, he was
attending the University of California in Los Angeles.
1923
James Noel (Jim) Farndale (FAR00889)
was born in 1923 in California (letters).
Las Vegas, Nevada
1926
Mary Ellen Farndale (FAR00902)
was born in 1926 in Nevada (letters).
On 27
October 1926 the organisation of the campaign committee of more than 50 for
Attorney Harold D Leddy, World War veteran, candidate for justice of the peace
of Pasadena Township, has been affected. The following citizens have accepted
enrolment on the committee, it is announced (Pasadena
Post, 27 October 1926).
The list included James Farndale.
1927
In May 1927, the family
moved to a ranch in the desert because of Jim’s health. Life was a struggle. Jim worked as a
finish carpenter. (From notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July
1979 from Edna Farndale and Janie Rydell).
1928
In February 1928, the
family moved to Las Vegas and
Jim built a house. (From notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July
1979 from Edna Farndale and Janie Rydell).
Las Vegas in 1928
Las Vegas
was founded as a city in 1905, when 110 acres of land adjacent to the Union
Pacific Railroad tracks were auctioned in what would become the downtown area.
In 1911, Las Vegas was incorporated as a city. In 1931 Nevada legalized casino
gambling and reduced residency requirements for divorce to six weeks. This year
also witnessed the beginning of construction on nearby Hoover Dam. The influx of construction
workers and their families helped Las Vegas avoid economic calamity during the
Great Depression.
Las Vegas in the 1930s Las
Vegas in 2016
1929
Life
became a hard struggle for Jim and he did the best he could as a 'finish
carpenter'. In 1930, Jim is shown in a Las Vegas telephone directory as
executive manager of the County Housing Authority.
The US
Census, 1930 for the City of Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, USA,
taken on 3 April 1930 listed James Farndale, head 44, carpenter for ‘houses’;
Edna Farndale, 35; Hazel J Farndale, 7; James N Farndale, 6; and Mary E
Farndale, 3
The Land
Office Records, 1930, Sacramento, San Bernadino, California included James
Farndale, - CA, Meridian 27, Township Range 019N to 012E, Aliquots, NE ¼,
section 22.
Sacramento,
020821
THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
To
all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings:
WHEREAS,
a Certificate of the Register Land Office at Sacramento, California, has been
deposited in the General Land Office, whereby it appears that, pursuant to the
Act of Congress of May 20, 1862, “To Secure Homesteads to Actual Settlers on
the Public Domain”, and the acts supplemental thereto, the claim of James
Farndale has been established and duly consummated, in conformity to law, for
the northeast quarter of section twenty two in the Township nineteen north of
Range twelve east of the San Bernardino Meridian, California, containing 160
acres,
according
to the official plot of the survey of the said land, on file in the General
Land Office
NOW
KNOW YE, that there is, therefore, granted by the United States on to the said
claimant the tract of land above described; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said tract
of land, with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said claimant and to the
heirs and assigns of the said claimant forever; subject to any vested and
accrued water rights for mining, agriculture agricultural, manufacturing or
other purposes, and rights of ditches and reservoirs used in connection with
such water rights, as may be recognised and acknowledged by the local customs,
laws and decisions of courts; and there is reserved from the lands hereby
granted a right of way thereon for ditches or canals constructed by the
authority of the United States.
In
testimony where of, I, Herbert Hoover, president at
the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made patent, and
the seal of the general land office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my
hands, at the city of Washington, the 12th day of August in the year of our
Lord 1000 930 and of the independence of the United States the one hundred and
fifty fifth
By the president Herbert Hoover, Viola B Pugh, Secretary
1931
In 1931, the family drove
by car to visit the family in Alberta, Canada, where Jim's youngest
brother and sister, Alfred and Grace, had by then joined Martin, George and
Kate. It was remembered as quite a reunion.
The
American Farndales Visit in about 1931, Martin,
Jim, Kate, Grace, George,
Alfred at Kate's homestead near Trochu,
Canada during Jim's visit in 1931 (Jim's car)
1932
Gordon Elliott Farndale (FAR00924)was
born on 15 April 1932 in Nevada (letters).
The Las
Vegas Age, 15 April 1932: FARNDALES
HAVE A SON. Mr and Mrs James Farndale were receiving congratulations yesterday
on the birth of an 8 ¼ pound son, born
to Mrs Farndale at their home at 922 S 2nd St, Friday morning.
Although still a finish carpenter, Jim had become Business Agent for
the Carpenter's Union. It
was in this year that he first became involved in the Boulder Dam project.
Jim became very active in
the Boulder Dam Project. (From notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July
1979 from Edna Farndale and Janie Rydell).
Hoover
Dam, originally known as Boulder Dam, was built on the Colorado River between
1931 and 1936. Named after U.S. President Herbert Hoover, the dam is still a
major supplier of hydroelectric power, while also providing flood control,
river regulation, and improved navigation. The dam was constructed
between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on
September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its construction was
the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over
100 lives. It was referred to as the Hoover Dam after President Herbert Hoover
in bills passed by Congress during its construction; it was named the Boulder
Dam by the Roosevelt administration. The Hoover Dam name was restored by
Congress in 1947.
To
protect the construction site from the Colorado River and to facilitate the
river's diversion, two cofferdams were constructed. Work on the upper cofferdam
began in September 1932, even though the river had not yet been diverted. The
first concrete was poured into the dam on June 6, 1933, 18 months ahead of
schedule. With most work finished on the dam itself (the powerhouse remained
uncompleted), a formal dedication ceremony was arranged for September 30, 1935,
to coincide with a western tour being made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1934
Las
Vegas Age, 7 September 1934: Celebration Said to be the Greatest Ever Given
Here. The Labor Day celebration, said to be the greatest and most
successful undertaken undertaking ever staged in Las Vegas, not only
financially but in every way, according to J Farndale who is in charge of
the affair. The Carpenters Local Union 1780 handled every detail including
the rodeo. Members of the committee included DW Jackson, W D Dean, Oscar Logan,
Oliver Lance, H F Hayes, and Farndale, chairman. Hayes was the only committee
man who was not a member of the carpenter’s union.
The programmes, distributed over the Labor Day celebration, included several
pages of the latest data on the dam, authentic in every detail as it was
written by Walker R Young of the Reclamation Bureau. Extra copies of the
programme may be obtained free of charge from James Farndale, or from the
office of Alfred Boyle in the VFW hall. Copies will be placed in Boulder City
also....
1935
The Hoover Dam
construction work was completed in 1935.
Doris
Irene Farndale (FAR00938)
was born in 1935 in Nevada (letters).
Jim was now proving himself to be an efficient
administrator through his work with the Carpenter's Union and the Boulder Dam
Project. He developed a reputation for reliability and honesty. Accordingly, in
1936, he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly. This gave him the
opportunity to use his ability and knowledge, even though he was still troubled
by ill health.
1936
In 1936, Jim was elected to
the Nevada State Assembly. This now gave him a very
full life where at last he could exercise his ability and knowledge, even
though he was still troubled by ill health.
The Las
Vegas Age, 28 August 1936: FARNDALE BUSY ON MANY THINGS. James Farndale, candidate
for assemblyman, has had a busy and useful career which has stored his mind
with experience in affairs that will provide prove valuable. He served 23
months in the U S army during the World
War, part of the time overseas in France. By vocation he is a Carpenter. Mr
Farndale came to Las Vegas in 1928, and during his entire residence here has
been active in organised labour and veterans activities. He held office as secretary
and also as President of Clark County Central Labour Council in 1930, and since
1933 has been secretary and business agent of the local carpenters union. He
was active in guiding the labor policies on the
Boulder Dam project. At present, Mr Farndale, is commander of Fred S
Pennington Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was active in the work which
brought about payment of the soldiers bonus.
1937
Janie,
Jimmy,
Gordon and Mary
in 1937
Committee
assignments in the assembly were announced on 22 January 1937 at Carson, Nevada
by speaker William Kennett and they will organise on Monday and take up
duties that have been held in abeyance for a week. Berkeley L Bunker, young
assemblyman from Clark County heads the Ways and Means committee. The
assignments for Building and construction were George Townshend (chairman), J
E Sweatt, James Farndale, Claude Smith,
H E Haviland. On 27 February 1937 James Farndale proposed that the state
minimum wage law of £5 a day be made to apply to all projects in which all or
part of the cost is contributed by the state (Reno Gazette Journal, 23 January 1937).
The Nevada
State Journal, 27 February 1937: James Farndale proposed that the state minimum
wage law of £5 a day be made to apply to all projects in which all or part
of the cost is contributed by the state….
1938
Jimmy,
Janie, Mary, Doris and Grace Farndale in California in August 1938
1939
On 30 July
1939 James Farndale, Post No 1753, Las Vegas, PO Box 293 was appointed
Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Committee for Nevada. In August 1939,
James Farndale, department commander of the veterans of foreign wars of the
United states, will preside over an administrative council session in Reno
Sunday. Later in the day, he will be among the guests of honour at the VFW days
celebration at the Reno race track. He wrote To the Editor: May I take
this means to thank you for the space which you so generously devoted to the
programme of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in your splendid
edition of Sunday, July 30. I am sure that our entire membership in the state
of Nevada deeply appreciates your fine spirit of cooperation. It is indeed
gratifying to find in these times, a newspaper ready to uphold and put forth
the patriotic ideology which dominates the programme of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States. No group so much as the overseas veterans realise
the danger which today besets the path of our democracy, and we shall stand
eternally on guard against the isms of those forces now on the march, which
seek to overturn it. Please accept the thanks of the department of Nevada,
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Yours very truly, James
Farndale, Department Commander, Las Vegas, Nevada (Nevada State Journal, 30 July 1939).
The Nevada
State Journal, 11 August 1939: James Farndale, department
commander of the veterans of foreign wars of the United states, will preside
over an administrative council session in Reno Sunday. Later in the day, he
will be among the guests of honour at the VFW days celebration at the Reno race
track.
1940
After a four year period,
Jim was re-elected for a second term, in 1940; a great honour and he
was by then a recognised leader of
Nevada State.
The Nevada
State Journal, 10 July 1940: James Farndale, Las Vegas
Democrat and labor representative, may be a candidate for
the assembly. He served one term and lost out in a wild scramble two years ago.
..
Gordon
Eliott and Doris
Irene
Farndale
The US Census of 1940 for 922, South Second Street, Las Vegas listed James
Farndale, 52, head, carpenter; Edna Farndale, 43; Hazel J Farndale, 17; James N
Farndale, 16; Mary Ellen Farndale, 13; Gordon E Farndale, 7; Doris I Farndale,
4.
Jim was now proving himself to be an efficient administrator
through his work with the Carpenter's Union and the Boulder Dam Project. He developed
a reputation for reliability and honesty.
The Nevada
State Journal, 25 June 1940. Nevada
veterans hold joint meeting in Las Vegas. Largely attended department
conventions of the United Spanish War Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars
were held recently in Southern Nevada, details of the two conclaves being
outlined as follows: VFW. The 6th annual encampment of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars opened in the Legion Hall at Boulder City, with James Farndale,
department commander, presiding …
The Sacramento
Bee, 6 February 1941: … Assemblyman
James Farndale of Las Vegas offered a bill which would create an electrical
administrative board which would control electrical work in the state. It
applies an appropriation for the pay of inspectors ..
1942
In 1942, Jim
Farndale was elected to serve in the Nevada State Senate and was to complete a
four year term, until 1946.
PRIMARY ELECTIONS PLACE MANY ON
BALLOTS IN VARIOUS NEVADA COUNTIES.
Returns from the primary election for
all counties in the state, through which many candidates were eliminated,
indicate that the following contenders for office will be on the November
ballots in the various counties in addition to justices of the peace and
constables in many places. In a few instances the local contests were very
close and there may be some changes.
Clark County. District Judge dash
Roger Foley, George Marshall...
Assembly men (four to be elected): C
D Baker (D), Berkeley Bunker (D), Clifford A Jones (D), James Farndale (D),
Miss Maizie Martin (R) ....
World
War 2 Registration Card in 1942
James’ son, Jim Farndale who served in the US Army Air
Corps 1942 to 1945.
1943
The Nevada
State Journal, 27 January 1943: … In
the Senate the first administration measure of the session, the civilian defense bill made its appearance. It provides an annual
salary of $1,200 for a state director of civilian defence and $1,800 annual
salary for a chief Clark. The bill would appropriate $35,000 to carry on the
council's work during the next biennium. It was explained the $35,000
appropriation covers a period of 28 months. Farndale explained, although it was
not specifically provided in the act, that if the war ends before the end of
the 28 months, the funds will revert to the general fund “after a reasonable
time.” Farndale, in introducing the measure, declared “practically every state
in the union has a separately financed civilian defence organisation.” He
called attention to the fact Utah’s civilian defence group has 15 paid members
and California’s 80. Under the proposed law, Nevada will operate with two paid
members, but with the proviso the personnel can be increased to three with an
addition of $1,800 a year clerk in event of emergency. In breaking down the
appropriation, Farndale pointed out the salary of the director for 28 months
would be $98,00, the clerk $4,200, the emergency clerk $4,200, if needed:
travel $7,000, supplies $1,500, OCD supplies, including insignia, $1,000,
educational films $1,000, includes purchase of posters, publications and
printing $2,000, and miscellaneous $3,000. Farndale praised the “conservative
operation” of the present civilian defence set up under Director Hugh
Shamberger, who, it is provided, would become director of the state council if
the bill passes.
The Nevada
State Journal, 27 February 1943: Work
Ailment Bill Hearing Draws Crowd. Carson City. In the legislature today the
principal opening hearing of the afternoon, at least the one which drew the
largest crowd, was that of the senate labour committee which is considering a
bill proposing establishment of compensation for workers who contract
occupational diseases... Frank Hoagland, of the Consolidated Copper Mines
Corporation, of White Pine County, and George Thatcher, Reno attorney for the
corporation, previously had met with senators James Farndale and Charles
Russell, members of the committee sponsoring the bill...
The Nevada
State Journal, 27 April 1943: Farndale
named on Labor Council. James Farndale, senator from Clark County and vice
president of the Nevada Federation of Labor, today was reappointed to a four
year term on the Nevada Employment Security Council. The appointment was
announced by governor EP Carville. Farndale, one of the outstanding
administration leaders in the last legislature, will represent employees on the
council....
1945
He did much work on
housing projects in the State and never forgot the World War One veterans.
James’ letter to his brother Alfred on
16 March 1945:
Committees: Labor; Mileage; Public Lands; State Prison
and Hospital for Mental Diseases; Education, State Library and Public Morals.
James Farndale
State Senator
Clark County
922 S Second Street
Las Vegas
Nevada
3 – 16 - 45
Dear Alf.
I know
you will be surprised to hear from me, but I just thought that it would be a
good time to write to you. Our state of Nevada Government, which we call our
Legislature is in session, and as you know I am a member of the Senate or the
upper house. Each county of the state has one Senator. The session which lasts
60 days is about over but we have to stay on the job till all of the details
are worked out, before we can go home. I enjoy this work very much as I have
always very much interested in political matters and matters concerning
government. There is of course quite a bit of honour in being a member of the
Legislature. We don't meet every year but once in two years, then only for 60
days. There is always a lot to do. Any member can introduce bills and I always
get more done than average, because I work harder than most of them. This
letter head indicates the committees that I'm on.
I don't
know whether or not you have heard that Jimmy made one flight to England. He
had your address but he said while he was in England they wouldn't let him out
of camp long enough to even try to telephone or visit. He came over by way of
Brazil, there crossed the Atlantic to the coast of Africa and up north across
Portugal and then landed I think in the Land's End area, where they delivered
the plane and then went through London and north to Scotland crossing back to
the US by plane. He had a great trip but was naturally disappointed in being so
close to you and yet not able to see you. But that is the way with war as you
both know from our experience in the First World War. Jimmy
made two flights to India, and was wrecked in the jungles near Calcutta I
believe, was stranded among natives for two days, and they had to leave the
plane. He has visited Cairo twice and has seen many of India's important
points. He now is in the Pacific, but he is still back in the US. They make
trips over into the various isles about every two or three weeks. He is sure
getting experience and is seeing the world. He is not satisfied when he is not
in the air. They are keeping him busy now.
Janie’s
husband has been sent overseas because I don't know whether he is out of U S
yet or not. They have been living in Arizona, but she probably now will come
back to near us while he is away. We are hoping so.
Mary is finished high school and in
Washington at present, but she expects to go to college but not until next
school year.
The two
young ones are at home, Gordon and Doris. They are in school of course and will be there for several
years yet. They are growing rapidly now.
Edna is
quite well and is very busy. She does a lot of community work especially among
the servicemen.
I expect
to be back home in a couple of days, and will have to get back into my work
immediately on returning. I would very much like to hear from you soon, and if
you have the time give me news of your family and of all the news of the
relatives since I hear very little of them. I will try to write occasionally
now that I have broken my habit of not writing.
Best
wishes to all.
Yours J
Farndale.
PS please
give my regards to all the others as you see them.
22 March
1945, Statutes of Nevada
1946
The Nevada
State Journal, 31 March 1946. NEVADA
POLITICS … Senators whose terms expire this year are … James Farndale (D) of
Clark …
1950
The US Census of 1950 for
Nevada listed James Farndale, 64, County Housing Executive
Director; Edna Farndale, 55; Gordon Farndale, 18; Doris
Farndale, 14.
1951
In 1951, Jim and his
daughter, Hazel Jane (always known as Janie) visited Canada again. By this time, his younger brother, Alfred had
returned to England.
Edna and Jim with John and Janie Rydell
Jim wrote to Martin Farndale (FAR00911), Alf’s son, and the pioneer of this family research,
on 22 March 1951:
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
March 22, 1951
Lieutenant M B Farndale
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
MELF 15 Egypt
Dear
Martin
I started
a letter to you several weeks ago and mailed it but it was returned
insufficiently addressed. I then wrote to Aunt Grace and asked her to send your
address. It just got here today, so I am trying again. Hope this reaches you.
We also
had a very newsy letter from her with more news about the folks in England. She
makes me homesick to be back there for a visit, but I don't know whether or not
I will ever get to go. Aunt
Grace and Uncle Howard are spending the winter in Calgary as you no doubt
know. Aunt Kate had
been visiting with them and I think uncle George also had paid them a visit. In
that part of the world everyone is well. They've been having bad weather
lately.
We are
quite well here too. Janie is living with her husband and two
boys in Arizona. John is still in the Air Force there and they own their own
home. He may be going overseas before long and she may be with us more in that
event. Jimmy is in Texas working for a
commercial airline. He does a lot of flying in his off hours. He flies around
the country but doesn't get home. His company doesn't fly anywhere near here.
He and I
took a trip last summer during which we flew a total of 8,000 miles. He came
home then but hasn't been back since. We saw a lot of the country. We flew up
the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles, California, to Seattle, Washington, and
then we went to Kansas City, Dallas, Texas and to Chicago, Illinois. He is in
the Air Force reserve and may be called back in the service anytime.
Gordon and Doris, the two which you have never seen,
are at home with us. Gordon has finished high school and started college, but
he quit because he thought he would soon be drafted into the Armed Services. He
will be 19 next month and then he likely will go. Doris
is in her first year at high school and is doing very well.
Mary is
in Los Angeles, California. She is working for a wholesale drug company, and
attending classes at night.
Aunt Edna
is quite well. There was recently a death in her family. Her stepfather died.
He was 86 though so when he got sick he went rapidly. Her mother is left alone
at 83. So that is something to worry about.
I'm still
in the same position managing a government housing project. Our work is picking
up now. Our housing units are filling up with defence workers.
As you
know there is in this country a great movement on to rearm the country. It has
not reached anything like the proportions of the last war, but the entire neat
nation is gearing itself for a long hard struggle. It was on hold off for a few
years, but we shall be ready for what happens. There is a growing belief here
that Russia will eventually start a major war. It is certain she will unless
the rest of the nations become so strong that Russia
will not dare to attack. So we think it's best to be ready. The sacrifices we
must make in getting prepared are hard but not near as bad as the terrific loss
of life which would follow if we are attacked and we are not ready. The Korean
affair has shown us this. Our men were untrained and unequipped, hence the terrific
loss of life which has followed. Now that we have got equipment to them and
they have gained experience, they were able to handle the situation with little
loss and are now fitted against masses of untrained Reds. That's the way we
like it, and I think the way it is going to be from this time forward. We know
that the Western nations can outstrip the Reds by miles if we all get down to
the business of preparing. The US alone can go a way out in front of the
Russians and with the aid of England and France and the other Western nations
they don't have a chance to match the combination.
Our
country is in good condition. Employment is high and manpower is gradually
getting easier. There is plenty of food and we're going to produce more than
ever before.
Canada
also is in a similar condition. Things are moving along nicely there and that
country will play an important part in the job of producing defence products.
We are
only about 50 miles from the atomic proving grounds and we saw and heard many
of the explosions which took place a few weeks ago in this state. It was a
marvellous sight even at this distance. I have never seen anything so
brilliant.
We are
hoping to go to Canada this summer, but we are not sure yet. We shall have to
get a new car as ours is worn out and couldn't make such a trip now.
Let us
hear from you as often as possible as we are always very pleased to get your
letters. They are always very interesting.
With our
best wishes.
Sincerely
James
Farndale.
1954
Jim and his son
Jimmy visited Yorkshire in 1954. This was the first time Jim had been back to
UK since the end of the First World War. This was a memorable visit which meant so much to him. He went
again to Tidkinhow and to stay with those members of the family who had
remained in England.
Clevelander
became US State Senator. Farndale, son of the late Mr and Mrs
Martin Farndale, of Tidkinhow Farm,
Saltburn, has recently visited this country after 43 years in Canada and the
USA. He went to Canada in 1911 and afterwards to the United States. He served
with the American forces in the First World War and later interested himself in
municipal and domestic affairs, particularly Social Security for old age
pensioners. Elected to the Nevada state assembly for two successive terms he
entered the state Senate, in which he served for four years. Although much of
his time was occupied as a state politician, he retained his interest in
farming. He married miss Edna E Adams, daughter of an American farmer, and the
couple have five children. Mr Farndale is now manager of a Housing Authority on
a housing project. He flew back to Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday, accompanied by
his son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs John Rydell, recently back from a
military mission to Greece.
James and son Jimmy just before leaving for UK in April 1954
Jim and daughter Janie and others at Tidkinhow At Tidkinhow
in 1954 – James with his brother John
At the ‘Club’ in Skelton during Jim’s visit to Yorkshire in 1954 (Alfred, John and James at table, with Jimmy behind.
1955
In 1955, Jim again
visited Canada,
with his two daughters, Janie and Mary.
In September 1955, Jim’s daughter Doris was
killed in a car accident at the age of twenty. Jim took this very hard indeed
and never really recovered from it.
The Reno Gazette Journal, 19 December 1955: New recreation facilities are in the offing in this city
today as the Clark County Housing Authority indicated it would approve use of
an unused dormitory in Victory Village for that purpose. James Farndale,
director of the Housing Authority, met yesterday with Herman Muehleisen, head of the public works department of
this city and Dr Earl Gould, recreation director, to discuss plans which will
permit the city to convert the building for all types of recreation. Farndale
told Muehleisen that the proposal will have to be approved by the entire board
of the Housing Authority and expressed his opinion that the request would be
granted....
1957
The Nevada State Journal, 4 March
1957. LABOUR GROUP SPONSORS ACT FOR BENEFITS. CARSON CITY.
Amendments to the industrial Insurance Act providing for increased benefits and
establishing a medical appeal board were introduced in the Senate today by that
body's committee on labour. The committee, at the same time, announced it was
shelving a bill introduced earlier in the session by senators James Farndale
(D) Clark and Charles Russell (R) White Pine, which would have written the
present law. Farndale and Russell are members of the labour committee. “The
amendments introduced today preserve all of the benefits provided in Senate
bill 28 and additionally provide for the medical appeal board, and a higher
funeral benefit” Farndale explained...
1958
In 1958 Jim’s brother Alf and his wife Peggy visited
Jim in USA (From
notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and
Janie Rydell).
Jim was still active
with the Carpenter’s Union, Housing Authority and Veterans. A member of the Governor’s Labour Council. (From notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July
1979 from Edna Farndale and Janie Rydell)
In September 1958, his younger brother, Alfred and his
wife, Peggy called to see him at Las Vegas
while on a visit to Canada. At this time, Jim was still active with the
Carpenter's Union, the Housing Authority and the Veterans. He was at this time
a member of the Labour Council.
1960
The Asheville
Citizen Times, 17 September 1960 … Las
Vegas. At a marriage in Las Vegas, The Rev Richard L Ewing officiated at
the ceremony and Mrs James Farndale was organist …
1961
In 1961, Jim again
visited Canada for what was to be the last time (From
notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and
Janie Rydell).
1965
Jim wrote to his brother Alfred and
Peggy on 14 December 1965:
922 South 2nd Street
Las Vegas, Nev
Dec 14, 1965
Dear Alf and Peggy
I know you will be wondering how we are so here are a few
words. I am quite a bit improved over last year when I spent Christmas in a
hospital. I am able to get up everyday and get
outside when the weather is good. I can't do very much and have had to give up
driving the car which is a handicap.
Edna is not well either but manages to keep house. She
doesn't drive the car.
Our younger folks are all well how old doing well.
Janie and John were here in August and Jimmy, Jean and Ingram were here for a
few days in November. We hope Mary will be here for Christmas.
How are you both and how are the rest of the family? I
understand Martin is in the Near East. I haven't his address but I hope to hear
from him. I hope he is alright.
Best wishes and love to all.
Jim and Edna.
1967
By 1867, his health was deteriorating badly. On 20 January 1967,
Jim Farndale died at home, at
922 San Casino, Central Boulevard, Las Vegas. He is buried at Mountain View
Gardens of Memory, Las Vegas. The funeral service was led by the Reverend
Douglas Harrell of the First Methodist Church on 23 January 1967 at Bunker
Brothers Chapel at 1pm (From
notes taken by Martin Farndale in Texas in July 1979 from Edna Farndale and
Janie Rydell).
By his own efforts Jim achieved much. He pioneered in
Canada and America, got himself qualified through university, fought for his
country and rose through the Nevada State Assembly to the Senate. He was always
dogged by his ill health, but his courage and ability kept him going.
Las Vegas
Review Journal Sunday 26 January 1967: Southern Nevada loses
devoted public servants. This was a sad week for old time southern Nevadans. Two Men who left
rich legacies of public service in widely differing fields were buried.
Both were born in England. Both built a home, family and gave almost half a
century of service to southern Nevada. Their loss will be felt. Jim Farndale
took care of the people who were poor, needed a job and a place to live they
could afford. A life of service with labor,
the poor, veterans and the homeless called to Jim Farndale. During the
1930s when Boulder Dam brought a surge of craftsmen to southern
Nevada, Farndale helped hammer out a strong carpenters union. As a business
agent, he became a guiding force in the Central Labor Council and
Building and Trades Council. Farndale went to the Nevada Assembly twice
and then was elected to the state senate. His name was engraved on the enabling
legislation that created the federal housing authorities for Clark County and
Las Vegas. Farndale later became executive director of the Clark County
Federal Housing Authority which operated units in the city. These homes for
the struggling poor of Henderson will serve as appropriate monuments to his
life. He was a leader of veterans organisations, and above all held a
reputation of being dependable and absolutely trustworthy. Another page
has turned and those who guided the middle years in the growth of this
community are beginning to leave us.
Extract from the Las Vegas
Review Journal 26 January 1967: He left five children, Jim who lived
in Dallas, Texas, Jane who lived in Austin, Texas, Gordon and Mary who lived in
California, and Doris who was tragically killed in a car crash. He fought with
the American Army in France in World War I, and visited England several times
before he died in 1967.
Sunday 22 January 1967. James Farndale Rites Scheduled for tomorrow.
Funeral for James Farndale is set for tomorrow, 1pm at Bunker Brothers Chapel
with the Reverend Douglas Harrell, of the First Methodist Church, officiating.
Farndale, a 38 year resident of Southern Nevada, died Friday in his home at 922
South Casino Center Boulevard. He was 81. Well known
in legislative, labor and veterans circles, Farndale
was instrumental in helping to establish many of their standard practices
today. He is survived by his wife, Edna, two sons, James and Gordon, and
two daughters, Mrs John Rydell and Mrs Sam Mentzer, all residing out of state;
two brothers Alfred and John Farndale, and three sisters, Mrs Dorothy Ross, Mrs
Mary Brown and Mrs Grace Holmes all residing in England and Canada. Farndale
was a business agent for Carpenters Local 1780 in Las Vegas during the 1930s
and later rose to prominence as a member of the Central Labor Council, the
Building Trades Council and the Governor's Board of Labor Relations. He was
elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1936 and again in 1940. Farndale was
also a member of the state senate from 1942 to 1946. In addition to
these functions, Farndale was executive director of the Federal Housing
Authority here and served on the Clark County Housing Authority as
well. He was a life member, past commander and past department commander of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of the American Legion, Veterans of World War
One, Disabled Veterans and the First Methodist Church. Farndale was born in Yorkshire,
England. He will be buried in Mount View Gardens of Memory
Las Vegas Review Journal Sunday 22
January 1967: Farndale Services Set
Monday. Former state senator James Farndale, 81,
will be buried Monday in Mount View Gardens of Memory cemetery. Reverend Douglass
Harrell of the First Methodist Church will conduct 1pm services in Bunker
Brothers Chapel. Mr Farndale died Friday in his home at 922 S Casino Blvd. He
served two terms in the Nevada Assembly (1936-38 and 1940-42) and one term in
the state Senate (1942-1946). He was also once the executive director of the
Clark County Housing Authority. A carpenter from Yorkshire, Farndale represented
Carpenters Local 1780 on the Central Labor Council, the governor's Labor
Relations Board and the Building and Trades Council. He was a veteran of
World War One. He is survived by his wife, Edna, two sons, James of Dallas,
Texas, and Gordon of Canoga Park, California; two daughters, Mrs John E Rydell
of Athens, Texas, and Mrs Sam Mentzer of Glendale, California, two brothers
Alfred and John both in England; and three sisters, Mrs Dorothy Ross, Mrs Mary
Brown and Mrs Grace Holmes, all in England
Senate Concurrent Resolution No 9 - Senators Brown, Alleman,
Bunker, Christensea, Gibson, Hecht, Herr and Lamb,
File Number 23: Senate Concurrent
Resolution - Memorialising the late Senator James Farndale.
Whereas, The members of the 54th session of legislature of the State of Nevada
have learned with deep regret and sorrow of the death of former Senator James
Farndale on January 20, 1967, in Las Vegas, Nevada; and Whereas Senator
Farndale, born in Yorkshire, England, migrated to the United States of America
to become a most respected resident of Southern Nevada, for 28 years;
and Whereas James Farndale distinguished himself in federal, state and local
government service, as executive director of the Federal Housing
Authority in Clark County, as assemblyman from Clark County in 1937 and
1941 regular sessions, as senator from Clark County in the 1943 and 1945
regular sessions, as a member of the Governor's Board of Labor Relations, and
as a member of the Clark County Housing Authority; and Whereas, He achieved
prominence for his contributions in the development of organised labor in this state while a member of the Central Labor
Council and the Buildings Trades Council in Las Vegas, Nevada; and Whereas
as the late Senator James Farndale was loyal and dedicated to his country,
he was a life member, past commander and past department commander of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion, Veterans of World
War One, and Disabled American Veterans; and Whereas James Farndale was a
man of integrity, ability and courage always following the strength of his
convictions, whose presence will be deeply missed in our state; now, therefore,
be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly concurring,
That the members of the 54th session of legislature of the State of Nevada
hereby express their condolences to the family and surviving relatives of the
late Senator James Farndale; and be it further Resolved, that copies of this
resolution be prepared and transmitted forthwith by the legislative counsel to
the widow and surviving children of the deceased, Mrs Edna Farndale, Mrs John
Rydell, Mrs Sam Mentzer, Mr Gordon Farndale and Mr James Farndale.
1967, Nevada Southern University, Las Vegas, 1 February 1967,
Library. Dear Mrs Farndale. The library
at Nevada Southern University has received funds for the purchase of a
Volume in memory of your husband. We have added a volume in the Far West
and Rockies Series to our Western America collection. This volume bears a
special memorial plate for Mr Farndale. Our Western Collection is
heavily used by our students faculty. We at Nevada Southern University feel
truly honoured in being selected as part of the memorial to Mr Farndale. Mrs
James Farndale, 92250 Casino Center Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Alan Bikle, United States Senate, Washington. Dear Mrs Farndale. Mrs Bikle and I were
saddened to learn of the recent death of your husband. While there is little
one can say or do to ease your loss at this time, we do want you to know that
our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As you know, Jim was
a dear, loyal and devoted friend of ours. Sincerely. Alan Bikle
United States Senate, Washington. Dear Mrs Farndale. Please accept heartfelt condolences on the death of your
husband. He was indeed a man of his times who participated in the
problems of his day, and committed himself to a set of principles and a course
of action. He left a record of significant accomplishments and long lasting
influences on the institutions and programmes with which he was associated.
I do hope that the sorrow over your loss will be eased by his good and rich
life. Mrs Cannon joins me in the expression of sincere sympathy to you and your
family. Howard Cannon
(Headstone Applications for Military Veterans)
Jim's family were
the first of a new generation of Farndales in USA. His son, Jim, had no family, but his son Gordon had
a son, Mark and a daughter, Linda.
James
and Edna
Austin, Texas
1979
Jim’s
wife, Edna, died at Austin, Texas, where she was in a home near her daughter,
Janie, in 1979.
Jim's family
were the first of a new generation of Farndales in USA. His son, Jimmy,
had no family, but his son Gordon
had a son, Mark Farndale and a daughter, Linda Farndale Bruno.
1984
Narrative of Jim’s Life
James was the
first member of the family to be born at Tidkinhow. He was born on 22 December
1885, the sixth child and the fourth son of Martin and Catherine Farndale. As
with his siblings, he started school, aged 5, with his brothers and sisters
and, at age 11, he went to Boosbeck, but unlike the rest except Kate, he on to
Guisborough County School. On leaving school, he worked for a local farmer
called Petch for a while, was a miner for a while and helped his father at
Tidkinhowe. He was always keen on learning and in his early days he was always
studying and reading. He, like his siblings, would listen to all the talk about
Canada and he would have seen that there was little hope for him at home.
Accordingly on 31
March 1913, Jim (as he was always called) sailed for Canada, aged 28 and joined
his brothers Martin and George and his sister Kate. He spent two years in
Canada and kept a diary of his journey out and of his first year.
However, he
always wanted to improve his education and there wasn't much chance in those
early days in Canada. So he decided to go on to USA. He 1915, he managed to get
into Duluth High School from where he got himself a place at Valpraiso
University in Indiana. It was on 20 January 1917 at the university that he met
Edna Adams whom he married on 25 September 1917. When the USA declared war on
Germany in 1917, he joined the American Army and went to France. Very little is
known of his military service except that he caught a very bad dose of
influenza from which he never did fully recover. However at the end of the war,
he did manage to visit Tidkinhowe again.
In 1918, he was
posted to San Antonio where he left the army. He and Edna went to live at
Plymouth, Indiana, but by then he had developed lung trouble. He began to make
a living at carpentry. In 1919, he moved to the west coat to try to get to a
better climate and to be near Edna's parents. Jim built them a house at Los
Angeles and then he built one for himself. At this time, Jim was working in an
architect's office and at the same time, he was attending the University of
California in Los Angeles. He did this until 1929 when his health began to give
him serious trouble and the doctors said he must live in a really dry climate.
Their first
child, Hazel Jane, was born in Los Angeles on September 1922 and their second,
James, on December 1923. Mary was born in 1926.
The family moved
to a ranch in the desert at Las Vegas in 1929. Life became a hard struggle for
Jim and he did the best he could as a 'finish carpenter'. In 1930, they moved
into Las Vegas and built a house. In 1931, the family drove by car to visit the
family in Alberta, Canada, where Jim's youngest brother and sister, Alfred and
Grace, had by then joined Martin, George and Kate. It was remembered as quite a
reunion
In 1932, their
fourth child, Gordon, was born. Although still a finish carpenter, Jim had
become Business Agent for the Carpenter's Union. It was in this year that he
first became involved in the Boulder Dam project. In 1935 their fifth child and
second daughter, Doris, was born. Jim was now proving himself to be an
efficient administrator through his work with the Carpenter's Union and the
Boulder Dam Project. He developed a reputation for reliability and honesty.
Accordingly, in 1936, he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly. This now
gave him a very full life where at last he could exercise his ability and
knowledge, even though he was still troubled by ill health. After a four year
period, he was re-elected for a second term, in 1940; a great honour and he was
by then a recognised leader of Nevada State. In 1942, he was elected to serve
in the Nevada State Senate and was to complete a four year term, until 1946. He
did much work on housing projects in the State and never forgot the World War
One veterans.
In 1951, he and
his daughter, Hazel Jane (always known as Janie) visited Canada again. By this
time, his younger brother, Alfred had returned to England. Then in 1954 and for
the first time, since the end of the First World War, he visited England. This was
a memorable visit which meant so much to him. He went again to Tidkinhowe and
to stay with those members of the family who had remained in England. In 1955,
he again visited Canada, with his two daughters, Janie and Mary.
But tragedy
struck in September 1955 when his daughter, Doris, was killed in a motor
accident at the age of twenty. Jim took this very hard indeed and never really
recovered from it.
In September
1958, his younger brother, Alfred and his wife, Peggy called to see him at Las
Vegas while on a visit to Canada. At this time, Jim was still active with the
Carpenter's Union, the Housing Authority and the Veterans. He was at this time
a member of the Labour Council.
In 1961, Jim
again visited Canada for what was to be the last time. His health by then was
deteriorating badly. Jim died at his home, 922 San Casino Centre Boulevard, Las
Vegas on 20 January 1967, aged 81. He is buried at Mount View Gardens of
Memory, Las Vegas. The funeral was on 23 January and was taken by the Reverend
Douglass Harrell of the First Methodist Church at Bunker Brothers Chapel at
1pm.
By his own
efforts Jim achieved much. He pioneered in Canada and America, got himself
qualified through university, fought for his country and rose through the
Nevada State Assembly to the Senate. He was always dogged by his ill health,
but his courage and ability kept him going.
His wife, Edna,
died at Austin, Texas, where she was in a home near her daughter, Janie, in
1980.
Jim's family were
the first of a new generation of Farndales. His son, Jim, had no family, but
his son Gordon had a son, Mark and a daughter, Linda.