Orleans

FARMAN, Marcellus Winslow

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 133-134 
(portrait p 134)
Marcellus Winslow FARMAN, of Westfield, was born 29 July 1865 in Westfield 
[Orleans County, Vermont], son of Ashley and Harriet (WINSLOW) FARMAN. He is 
ninth in lineal descent from Kenelm, brother of Gov. Edward WINSLOW. Until 
fifteen years of age he attended the public schools of Westfield, and then 
for a short time pursued his studies at the Normal School at Johnson 
[Lamoille County]. For several years his sight had been failing gradually 
owing to an internal affection of the eyes, aggravated by excessive use, and 
his affection developed until it terminated in the loss of physical vision. 
This was an especial affliction, as from early boyhood he had evinced strong 
literary tastes, but undaunted by what to many would have proved an 
insurmountable obstacle, he again attended the Johnson Normal School, 
receiving his instruction through the medium of a reader. In 1887 he entered 
the University of Vermont, taking a special course to fit himself for a 
public speaker, and notwithstanding the disadvantage under which he labored 
he attained high rank in both school and college.

His first lecture was delivered in the spring of 1890 before the Burlington 
Young Men's Christian Association, and was attended and received with 
unqualified approbation by the president of the University, members of the 
faculty and the leading men of the city. His lectures cover political, 
historical, and religious subjects and have received most complimentary 
endorsement from many sources. Mr. FARMAN has met with marked success as a 
popular and powerful speaker, and in the campaign of 1892 was employed by the 
state Republican committee in this capacity. For several years he has been 
an occasional contributor to the press. From early manhood he has been an 
active and consistent member of the Congregational church, has served on its 
committee and was formerly a member of the choir. He is also an efficient 
worker in the Y. P. S. C. E. [Young Peoples Society of Christian Endeavor].

Submitted by Cathy Kubly