Resilience in Focus: The Lives of Hattie Wood and Frederick Farrar

Cabinet Photo of Fred Farrar and Hattie Wood

In a cabinet photo that I possess, taken between 1891 and 1893, a young Frederick Farrar and Hattie H. Wood appear as a hopeful and newlywed couple, caught in the bloom of their youth.

Before we continue on with their story, it is essential to pause and acknowledge how history often seeks to diminish women's identities, referring to them only in relation to their husbands or by their husbands' names. Yet, underneath this narrative, women like Hattie were the backbone of society, embodying resilience and strength as they navigated life's challenges and contributed significantly to their communities. This photograph and its inscription prove to be an example of this sad truth, marking Hattie only as, “First wife”

Inscription on Back of Cabinet Photo

For the sake of the timeline, we will go on and start with Fred, born in January 1870 in Maine, had moved to Massachusetts to work as a shoemaker in a bustling factory. At just 21 years old, he married Hattie, an Illinois native, who was then 19. Their wedding on January 7, 1891, in Cheshire, Massachusetts, marked the beginning of a chapter that would be filled with both tenderness and tumult.

The early years of their marriage were spent in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The couple seemed to be carving out a simple but steady life together. Fred's work as a shoemaker in a factory provided a modest living, while Hattie likely focused on their home. Their daughter, Rae, was born during these years, adding joy and purpose to their lives.

In 1896, Fred and Hattie found themselves relocating to Salem, Massachusetts, seeking perhaps a fresh start or new opportunities. Despite these exciting changes, their marriage could not withstand the strains that life brought. By 1900, their relationship had dissolved, leading to a divorce that left them each to forge their separate futures.

Newspaper Headline About Fred's Criminal Case

Newspaper Excerpt About Fred's Criminal Charges

Fred moved in with his brother, Charles, in Suffolk, Massachusetts. The transition from a married man to a single life proved challenging for Fred. He drifted from one boarding house to another, his life marked by instability and a series of transient residences. His final years of relative obscurity came to a dramatic halt in 1931 when he was arrested for the unlawful possession and distribution of hard cider. The records show that by 1934, Fred was residing in Boston, though details about his life after this point remain scant. It is likely that he remarried, given the existence of a photograph labeled as his “first wife”, but the specifics of this second marriage remain elusive.

Newspaper Gossip Excerpt

Meanwhile, Hattie’s life took a different trajectory after her separation. She and Rae returned to Cheshire to live with her parents, Leonard and Mary Wood. In Cheshire, Hattie worked as a bookkeeper, showcasing her resilience and adaptability. In 1908, she married Albert Farnham, a Civil War veteran. Their life together was marked by stability until Albert's unexpected death from a heart attack on Halloween night in 1915—an eerie coincidence that likely added to the grief of his passing.

Order of The Eastern Star 50 Year Award

 Hattie's subsequent marriage to Jerry Dee Shrader in 1919 brought her another chapter of companionship, but it too ended in sorrow when Jerry died in July 1938. Left once more to navigate life on her own, Hattie moved in with her brother, Daniel Wood, who was extremely well-off. Their time together was marked by an affluent lifestyle, as they often took luxury vacations for months at a time, enjoying the finer things in life. Daniel’s wealth allowed them to live lavishly, creating cherished memories filled with travel and exploration until his death in 1957.

Newspaper Article About Surprise Party for Harriet

 Throughout her life, Hattie was deeply involved in her community. She worked for many years as an elementary school teacher at Hook Elementary in Cheshire, shaping the minds of countless students and earning their affection. Her dedication to education reflected her belief in the power of knowledge and her commitment to nurturing young lives.

Harriet Wood's Obituary

Hattie was also a beloved member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she held membership for over 50 years. Her long-standing involvement in the organization underscored her dedication to community service and connection, making her one of the oldest members at the time of her passing.

Despite outliving all her immediate family, including her daughter Rae, who passed away in 1923, Hattie was far from alone. She cultivated a rich network of friendships and connections that filled her later years with love and support. Her life, though filled with hardship, was characterized by a steadfast determination and an enduring spirit that resonated with those around her.

On September 14, 1965, Hattie passed away, closing a chapter marked by both love and loss. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of the many people she touched throughout her remarkable life.

In reflecting on the lives of Fred Farrar and Hattie Wood, it is evident that their youthful photograph captured more than just a moment; it encapsulated a shared history of dreams and trials, and a journey through a rapidly changing world. Their stories, though marked by separation and struggle, are also a testament to the enduring human spirit.