BIOGRAPHY UPDATED on 15 May 23

Peter Farrell was born sometime around June 1834 near Roscommon in Roscommon County, Ireland. However, there are numerous inconsistences in sources and evidence throughout the years with regards to his birth date. No official records are known at this time and all dates were obtained from Census records, gravestones and approximate years based on marriage records. Census birthdates range from 1834 to 1837 with the most detailed date of Jun 1834 obtained from the 1900 U.S. census. Marriage records indicate an approximate birth year of 1839 and his gravestone indicates 1838. Although more sources indicate a later date, other family members dates on the 1900 census are consistent with their actual dates, lending credence to the earlier date. Based on several credible, but conflicting records, I cannot state with 100% certainty which birth year is correct. However, based on the preponderance of evidence, I am assessing Jun 1834 as the correct date until other records can be obtained to prove otherwise. According to his marriage records, his parents were John and Peggy Ferl. It is unknown whether or not "Ferl" was a transcription error or if that was their actual name and Peter changed his surname when immigrating to the U.S. I also assume Peggy is short for Margaret. His other siblings are currently unknown at this time.

In his early years, he probably grew up in Roscommon County in Ireland. According to the 1900 census, he immigrated to the U.S in 1850. It also indicates he became a naturalized citizen. Although exact dates cannot be confirmed at this time, there are a few immigration records for a "Peter Farrell". One record indicates a Peter Farrell, age 14, arriving in New York on 11 May 1850 from Liverpool, England from Ireland. It appears no parents accompanied him on the trip. However, at this time, I cannot confirm if this is my ancestor. It is unknown where he lived after arriving in the U.S. However, by 1863 he was in Lewis County, West Virginia with his new bride, Anna Cuff.

Around the age of 29, Peter married a 19-year-old Anna Cuff, daughter of Thomas Cuff and Bridget (maiden name unknown, but presumably Dooley), on 29 Oct 1863 by Father D.O. Connor in Lewis County, West Virginia. Although the marriage records indicate ages of 24 and 17 respectively. It appears Peter and Anna would eventually have 9 children; Margaret A (m. Craft), Mary C (m. Fitzpatrick), Elizabeth Beatrice (m. Rush), Thomas Vincent, John, Patrick Francis, Anna Gertrude (m. McCudden), Ella Madalene (m. Bohan) and Peter Jr.

At some point, he obtained 650 acres of land somewhere on the far east part of Gilmer County near the Rocky Fork of Indian Fork of Sand Fork of Little Kanawha River. According to the 1870 United States Federal Census taken on 20 Jun 1870, they were living Near Sandfork in Glenville Township, Gilmer County, West Virginia. At the time, Peter Ferrel *Farrell was 35 years old and lived with his Spouse Ann (25) and their 2 daughters; Margaret (3) and Mary (1). According to the 1880 United States Federal Census taken on 23-24 Jun 1880, they were still living in Glenville District, Gilmer County, West Virginia. At the time, Peter Farrell was listed as 43 years old and living with his wife Ann (33) and his six children; Margaret (12), Mary (10), Elizabeth (8), Thomas (6), John (4) and Patrick (2). In addition, his father-in-law Thomas Cuff (60) also lived with them. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census taken on 5 Jun 1900, they were still living on the family farm in Glenville District, Gilmer County, West Virginia. At the time, Peter Farrell, now widowed, was listed as 65 years old and lived with his 5 children; John (25), Patrick (23), Gertrude (19), Ella (17), and Peter Jr (14). In addition, his daughter Maggie A Kraft (33), son in law Samuel Craft (37), and his 3 grandchildren; Joseph P (6), Leo V (4), and Thomas C (2) also lived with them on their family farm. It appears he lived in the area until his death sometime around May 1909.

Peter passed away sometime around 6 May 1909 probably in Gilmer County, West Virginia although exact date and locations are unknown at this time. Only source of death is the gravestone which indicates 1909 and his Last Will and Testament executed on 6 May 1909. According to cemetery records, he was laid to rest next to his wife in Saint Bridget's Church Cemetery in Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia.

Biography information provided by Tom Richardson (#47507774) - 3x Great Grandson