Benjamin Farrer, my 4th Great Grandfather was born in 1788 in Pontefract , Yorkshire to parents John Farrer and Ann Place. Benjamin became a well known watchmaker and silversmith, living and working in Beastfair and later Corn Market . He married Ellen Thompson in 1808 at age 20 and had 8 children, many of whom went on to further education and went into professional careers including a Doctor (Robert Farrer), Chemist (John and Charles Farrer),Customs Officer (Benjamin) His eldest son William Thompson Farrer followed in his fathers footsteps and became a Clock and Watch Maker in Pontefract. His wife Ellen died in 1854 but Benjamin lived a long life In 1861 he is listed as living in “Farrers Yard'”, Cornmarket as a retired watchmaker aged 74, and then later in 1871 still in the same place at age 84 living only with his elderly servant Elizabeth Jackson - who appears in the census aged 71.
Benjamin died on Nov 28, 1877 aged 89.
