Farquhar, John

Corporal John Farquhar

was born at Ballylaney, Richhill, Co. Armagh on 19th November 1881 to Thomas Farquhar, Farmer and Eliza Jane Farquhar nee Stothers. His bank Staff Record card states his date of birth to be 28th December 1881. His parents were married on 23rd January 1879 at the Registrars Office, Armagh.

In 1901, the family lived in house 7, Ballylaney, Richhill, Co. Armagh. Thomas and Eliza Jane Farquhar lived with their 5 children; John Henry (19), Sarah (16), Ruth (14), Mary Jane (11) and Lucinda (7). John Henry Farquhar has his occupation recorded as a teacher [no explanation found].

On 17th May 1898, John joined Northern Bank. His address is recorded on his Staff Record card is Monkstown, Whiteabbey. Transfers followed with Ballybofey (1899), Newry (1903), Ballycarry (1903), Drumshanbo (1907 - Cashier) and Head Office (1909). 

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

In 1911, John is boarding with the Shannon family in house 7, Glenarm Road, Larne, Co. Antrim. He describes himself as a Bank Official. 

His family are still in house 6 (updated), Ballylaney, Richhill, Co. Armagh. Thomas and Eliza Jane Farquhar lived with their 4 daughters; Sarah (25 - Teacher), Ruth (23 - Teacher), Mary Jane (20 - Draper's Assistant) and Lucinda (16 - Scholar).

Whilst based in Head Office on 6th November 1915, aged 33, he enlisted into the 4th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 23642.

John Farquhar - Medal Index Card

A posting to the 7th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers followed. He was subsequently promoted to Lance Corporal and then Corporal. John saw action in Guillemont in 1916 where he received a gunshot wound to the right leg. 

Demobilisation came in November 1918 and he was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

John Farquhar - Medal Roll

As a wounded soldier and unable to continue service, John also qualified for the Silver War Badge numbered B41649.

John Farquhar - Silver War Badge Register

A Pension Record card exists for John. His address is recorded as Leahurst, Greenisland and Northern Bank, Dowra, Co. Cavan.

John Farquhar - Pension Record card

Following demobilisation, John re-joined the Northern Bank on 19th November 1918 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Oldcastle (1919 - Cashier) and Dowra (1920 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch 

(later branded to National Irish Bank)

John Farquhar retired in 'poor health' on 30th September 1921. He died in June 1954 aged 72.