Farwell. Local histories muse that the name might have been attributed to a Swedish accented attendee at a local meeting, called for the purpose of naming the new town, who exclaimed 'farval' or 'farewell' as he left in disgust when a name could not be agreed upon. It's a humorous anecdote, but does not comport with how townsite names were selected. In actuality, Farwell was likely named for Charles B. Farwell, of Illinois, a political colleague of Washburn's. They served together in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., during 1881-1883, and later in the US Senate for a few years beginning in 1889. That explanation was given by F. D. Underwood in correspondence with a Soo Line official several years later. It is interesting to note that Chas. Hammond's wife's maiden name was Farwell. It is possible that when the plat was developed Mr. Hammond seized on that coincidence, giving a double-meaning to the naming of this village. Among Farwell's street names, Bertrand was the middle name of one of Charles Hammond's sons. Chermak, Alton - Soo Line Railroad historian.
Farwell. Local histories muse that the name might have been attributed to a Swedish accented attendee at a local meeting called for the purpose of naming the new town, who exclaimed 'farval' or 'farewell' as he left in disgust when a name could not be agreed upon. It's a humorous anecdote, but does not comport with how townsite names were selected. In actuality, Farwell was likely named for Charles B. Farwell, of Illinois, a political colleague of Washburn's. They served together in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C, during 1881-1883, and later in the US Senate for a few years beginning in 1889. That explanation was given by F. D. Underwood in correspondence with a Soo Line official several years later. It is interesting to note that Chas. Hammond's wife's maiden name was Farwell. It is possible that when the plat was developed Mr. Hammond seized on that coincidence, giving a double-meaning to the naming of this village. Among Farwell's street names, Bertrand was the middle name of one of Charles Hammond's sons. Chermak, Alton - Soo Line Railroad historian.