Jim Farndale and Edna Adams

A remarkable pioneer who played an important role in the construction of the Hoover Dam in Nevada and later became a US Senator

Return to the Contents Page

Tidkinhow

James Farndale was born into the Tidkinhow family on 22 December 1885 at Tidkinhow, the son of Martin and Catherine Jane Farndale. James was the first member of the family to be born at Tidkinhow, the sixth child and the fourth son of the family.

As with his siblings, James started school, aged 5, with his brothers and sisters and, at age 11, he went to Boosbeck, but unlike the rest except Kate, he on to Guisborough County School.

On leaving school, James worked for a local farmer called Petch for a while, was a miner for a while and helped his father at Tidkinhow. He was always keen on learning and in his early days he was always studying and reading. He, like his siblings, would listen to all the talk about Canada and he would have seen that there was little hope for him at home.

By 1901 James Farndale, who came to always be known as Jim, was 15 years old and worked as a stockman on Whitely Springs Farm, Egglescliffe, Stockton for John Oldfield, the farmer. There were two stockmen, and his fellow stockman was Joseph Chaplow.

The boys of Tidkinhow in about 1910 - John, James, Alfred, William, George, Martin (inset) Jim Farndale in about 1910

Alberta, Canada

On 31 March 1911, James (“Jim”) sailed to Canada, with his brother George on the SS Canada. His journey across the Atlantic, almost exactly a year before RMS Titanic sank, is told in the Atlantic Crossings.

There is a transcript of Jim’s diary recording his emigration to Canada.

The story of Jim’s journey across Canada and his time in Alberta is told in Act 27 Scene 3.

Valparaiso University, Illinois, USA

Jim did not stay long in Canada before he went to America for the rest of his life. Jim always wanted to improve his education and there wasn't much chance in those early days in Canada. So he decided to go on to USA. He 1915, he managed to get into Dulath High School from where he got himself a place at Valpraiso University in Indiana, USA.

Valparaiso University, to the southeast of Chicago, known as Valpo, is a private university in Valparaiso, Indiana. It is an independent Lutheran university with five undergraduate colleges and a graduate school. Valpo gained a national reputation as an economical institution of higher learning, earning its positive nickname The Poor Man’s Harvard. At the height of enrolment in 1907, it was the second-largest school in the nation, behind only Harvard University. In 1914, the monthly literary magazine The Torch was founded, which became the university's weekly student newspaper in 1915.

Extract from the Torch, 14 April 1916

It was on 20 January 1917 at Valpraiso University that he met Edna Adams whom he married on 25 September 1917.

Soon after the USA declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917, Jim enlisted into the American Army at Plymouth, Indiana on 31 August 1917.

James and Edna James and Edna after their wedding on 25 September 1917

Jim served in the US Army in France in 1917 and 1918. He was posted to San Antonio, Texas and then to Dijon, France.

Very little is known of his military service except that he caught a very bad dose of influenza from which he never fully recovered. He was discharged on 1 August 1919 At the end of the war, he managed to visit Tidkinhow again.

James in Plymouth, Indiana in 1917 James amongst a field of corn and pumpkins in about 1918

He sailed home, 1111619 Sergeant James Farndale, on the Empress of Russia, as part of E Company Repair Unit, and arrived in New York on 17 September 1918. His next of kin was Adelbert E Adams, a friend, and he was returning to Plymouth.

He returned to France, and on 15 July 1919, he sailed from Brest in France on the South Carolina to an army base at Norfolk, a seargeant in the Motor Transport Corps who served 14 Section, 309 Repair Unit.

Jim’s citizenship petition, 20 July 1918

In 1918, Jim was posted back to San Antonio where he left the army. He and Edna returned to live at Plymouth, Indiana, but by then Jim had developed lung trouble. He began to make a living at carpentry.

On 12 January 1920 James Farndale, 34, was a carpenter for houses and he lived, with Edna, 25, at La Porte City, Indiana, which is about 20 kilometres east of Chicago. On 23 December 1920 it was announced that Mr and Mrs James Farndale are planning to go to California next week.

Los Angeles, California, USA

During 1920, Jim and Edna moved to Los Angeles to try to get to a better climate and to be near Edna's parents. They built a house for Edna’s parents, then Jim built their own home. Between 1920 and 1927, Jim worked in an architect’s office in Los Angeles, attending University of California.

On 1 December 1921 at Sierra Madre near Pasadena, the Congregational Church bazaar, under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid Society of this church will open to the public at 10 o’clock Friday morning in the woman's clubhouse. Mrs Farndale will be in charge at the children's corner.

Hazel Jane (“Janie”) Farndale was born in September 1922 in California. James Noel (“Jimmy”) Farndale was born in 1923 in California.

At this time, Jim was working in an architect's office and at the same time, he was attending the University of California in Los Angeles.

Mary Ellen Farndale was born in 1926 in Nevada.

On 27 October 1926 the organisation of the campaign committee of more than 50 for Attorney Harold D Leddy, World War veteran, candidate for justice of the peace of Pasadena Township, has been affected. The following citizens have accepted enrolment on the committee, it is announced. The list included James Farndale.

By 1929 Jim’s health began to give him serious trouble and the doctors said he must live in a really dry climate.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

In May 1927, the family moved to a ranch in the desert because of Jim’s health. Life was a struggle. Jim worked as a finish carpenter.

In February 1928, the family moved to Las Vegas and Jim built a house.

Las Vegas in 1928

Las Vegas was founded as a city in 1905, when 110 acres of land adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks were auctioned in what would become the downtown area. In 1911, Las Vegas was incorporated as a city. In 1931 Nevada legalized casino gambling and reduced residency requirements for divorce to six weeks. This year also witnessed the beginning of construction on nearby Hoover Dam. The influx of construction workers and their families helped Las Vegas avoid economic calamity during the Great Depression.

Las Vegas in the 1930s Las Vegas in 2016

Life became a hard struggle for Jim and he did the best he could as a 'finish carpenter'. In 1930, Jim was executive manager of the County Housing Authority. On 3 April 1930 James Farndale, 44, a carpenter for houses lived in Nevada with Edna Farndale, 35; Hazel J Farndale, 7; James N Farndale, 6; and Mary E Farndale, 3. In the same year, Jim secured land at Sacramento, California.

Sacramento, 020821

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings:

WHEREAS, a Certificate of the Register Land Office at Sacramento, California, has been deposited in the General Land Office, whereby it appears that, pursuant to the Act of Congress of May 20, 1862, “To Secure Homesteads to Actual Settlers on the Public Domain”, and the acts supplemental thereto, the claim of James Farndale has been established and duly consummated, in conformity to law, for the northeast quarter of section twenty two in the Township nineteen north of Range twelve east of the San Bernardino Meridian, California, containing 160 acres,

according to the official plot of the survey of the said land, on file in the General Land Office

NOW KNOW YE, that there is, therefore, granted by the United States on to the said claimant the tract of land above described; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said tract of land, with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said claimant and to the heirs and assigns of the said claimant forever; subject to any vested and accrued water rights for mining, agriculture agricultural, manufacturing or other purposes, and rights of ditches and reservoirs used in connection with such water rights, as may be recognised and acknowledged by the local customs, laws and decisions of courts; and there is reserved from the lands hereby granted a right of way thereon for ditches or canals constructed by the authority of the United States.

In testimony where of, I, Herbert Hoover, president at the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the general land office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hands, at the city of Washington, the 12th day of August in the year of our Lord 1000 930 and of the independence of the United States the one hundred and fifty fifth

By the president Herbert Hoover, Viola B Pugh, Secretary

In 1931, the family drove by car to visit the family in Alberta, Canada, where Jim's youngest brother and sister, Alfred and Grace, had by then joined Martin, George and Kate. It was remembered as quite a reunion.

The American Farndales Visit in about 1931, Martin, Jim, Kate, Grace, George, Alfred

On 15 April 1932, their fourth child, Gordon Elliott Farndale, was born. Farndales have a son. Mr and Mrs James Farndale were receiving congratulations yesterday on the birth of an 8 ¼ pound son, born to Mrs Farndale at their home at 922 S 2nd St, Friday morning.

Although still a finish carpenter, Jim had become Business Agent for the Carpenter's Union. It was in this year that he first became involved in the Boulder Dam project. Jim became very active in the Boulder Dam Project. Hoover Dam, originally known as Boulder Dam, was built on the Colorado River between 1931 and 1936. Named after U.S. President Herbert Hoover, the dam is still a major supplier of hydroelectric power, while also providing flood control, river regulation, and improved navigation. The dam was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on 30 September 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its construction was the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over a hundred lives. It was referred to as the Hoover Dam after President Herbert Hoover in bills passed by Congress during its construction and it was named the Boulder Dam by the Roosevelt administration. The Hoover Dam name was restored by Congress in 1947.

In September 1934, the Labor Day celebration, said to be the greatest and most successful undertaken undertaking ever staged in Las Vegas, not only financially but in every way, according to J Farndale who is in charge of the affair. The Carpenters Local Union 1780 handled every detail including the rodeo. Members of the committee included DW Jackson, W D Dean, Oscar Logan, Oliver Lance, H F Hayes, and Farndale, chairman. Hayes was the only committee man who was not a member of the carpenter’s union. The programmes, distributed over the Labor Day celebration, included several pages of the latest data on the dam, authentic in every detail as it was written by Walker R Young of the Reclamation Bureau. Extra copies of the programme may be obtained free of charge from James Farndale, or from the office of Alfred Boyle in the VFW hall. Copies will be placed in Boulder City also.

The Hoover Dam construction work was completed in 1935.

In 1935 their fifth child and second daughter, Doris Irene Farndale, was born. Jim was now proving himself to be an efficient administrator through his work with the Carpenter's Union and the Boulder Dam Project. He developed a reputation for reliability and honesty. Accordingly, in 1936, he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly. This gave him the opportunity to use his ability and knowledge, even though he was still troubled by ill health.

James Farndale, candidate for assemblyman, has had a busy and useful career which has stored his mind with experience in affairs that will provide prove valuable. He served 23 months in the U S army during the World War, part of the time overseas in France. By vocation he is a Carpenter. Mr Farndale came to Las Vegas in 1928, and during his entire residence here has been active in organised labour and veterans activities. He held office as secretary and also as President of Clark County Central Labour Council in 1930, and since 1933 has been secretary and business agent of the local carpenters union. He was active in guiding the labor policies on the Boulder Dam project. At present, Mr Farndale, is commander of Fred S Pennington Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was active in the work which brought about payment of the soldiers bonus.

Mary Ellen Farndale Janie, Jimmy, Gordon and Mary in 1937

Committee assignments in the assembly were announced on 22 January 1937 at Carson, Nevada by speaker William Kennett and they will organise on Monday and take up duties that have been held in abeyance for a week. Berkeley L Bunker, young assemblyman from Clark County heads the Ways and Means committee. The assignments for Building and construction were George Townshend (chairman), J E Sweatt, James Farndale, Claude Smith, H E Haviland. On 27 February 1937 James Farndale proposed that the state minimum wage law of £5 a day be made to apply to all projects in which all or part of the cost is contributed by the state.

Jimmy, Janie, Mary, Doris and Grace Farndale in California in August 1938

On 30 July 1939 James Farndale, Post No 1753, Las Vegas, PO Box 293 was appointed Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Committee for Nevada. In August 1939, James Farndale, department commander of the veterans of foreign wars of the United states, will preside over an administrative council session in Reno Sunday. Later in the day, he will be among the guests of honour at the VFW days celebration at the Reno race track. He wrote To the Editor: May I take this means to thank you for the space which you so generously devoted to the programme of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States in your splendid edition of Sunday, July 30. I am sure that our entire membership in the state of Nevada deeply appreciates your fine spirit of cooperation. It is indeed gratifying to find in these times, a newspaper ready to uphold and put forth the patriotic ideology which dominates the programme of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. No group so much as the overseas veterans realise the danger which today besets the path of our democracy, and we shall stand eternally on guard against the isms of those forces now on the march, which seek to overturn it. Please accept the thanks of the department of Nevada, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Yours very truly, James Farndale, Department Commander, Las Vegas, Nevada.

After a four year period, Jim was re-elected for a second term, in 1940. This was a great honour and he was by then a recognised leader of Nevada State. James Farndale, Las Vegas Democrat and labor representative, may be a candidate for the assembly. He served one term and lost out in a wild scramble two years ago.

In 1940 the family lived at 922, South Second Street, Las Vegas. James Farndale, 52, was a carpenter; Edna Farndale, 43; Hazel J Farndale, 17; James N Farndale, 16; Mary Ellen Farndale, 13; Gordon E Farndale, 7; Doris Irene Farndale, 4.

In June 1940, Nevada veterans held joint meeting in Las Vegas. Largely attended department conventions of the United Spanish War Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars were held recently in Southern Nevada, details of the two conclaves being outlined as follows: VFW. The 6th annual encampment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars opened in the Legion Hall at Boulder City, with James Farndale, department commander, presiding.

In February 1941 Assemblyman James Farndale of Las Vegas offered a bill which would create an electrical administrative board which would control electrical work in the state. It applies an appropriation for the pay of inspectors.

In 1942, he was elected to serve in the Nevada State Senate and was to complete a four year term, until 1946. Returns from the primary election for all counties in the state, through which many candidates were eliminated, indicate that the following contenders for office will be on the November ballots in the various counties in addition to justices of the peace and constables in many places. In a few instances the local contests were very close and there may be some changes. Clark County. Assembly men (four to be elected): C D Baker (D), Berkeley Bunker (D), Clifford A Jones (D), James Farndale (D), Miss Maizie Martin (R).

Gordon Eliott and Doris Irene Farndale Second World War Registration Card James’ son, Jimmy Farndale who served in the US Army Air Corps 1942 to 1945

In January 1943, in the Senate the first administration measure of the session, the civilian defense bill made its appearance. It provides an annual salary of $1,200 for a state director of civilian defence and $1,800 annual salary for a chief Clark. The bill would appropriate $35,000 to carry on the council's work during the next biennium. It was explained the $35,000 appropriation covers a period of 28 months. Farndale explained, although it was not specifically provided in the act, that if the war ends before the end of the 28 months, the funds will revert to the general fund “after a reasonable time.” Farndale, in introducing the measure, declared “practically every state in the union has a separately financed civilian defence organisation.” He called attention to the fact Utah’s civilian defence group has 15 paid members and California’s 80. Under the proposed law, Nevada will operate with two paid members, but with the proviso the personnel can be increased to three with an addition of $1,800 a year clerk in event of emergency. In breaking down the appropriation, Farndale pointed out the salary of the director for 28 months would be $98,00, the clerk $4,200, the emergency clerk $4,200, if needed: travel $7,000, supplies $1,500, OCD supplies, including insignia, $1,000, educational films $1,000, includes purchase of posters, publications and printing $2,000, and miscellaneous $3,000. Farndale praised the “conservative operation” of the present civilian defence set up under Director Hugh Shamberger, who, it is provided, would become director of the state council if the bill passes.

On 27 February 1943 the Work Ailment Bill Hearing Draws Crowd. Carson City. In the legislature today the principal opening hearing of the afternoon, at least the one which drew the largest crowd, was that of the senate labour committee which is considering a bill proposing establishment of compensation for workers who contract occupational diseases... Frank Hoagland, of the Consolidated Copper Mines Corporation, of White Pine County, and George Thatcher, Reno attorney for the corporation, previously had met with senators James Farndale and Charles Russell, members of the committee sponsoring the bill.

On 27 April 1943 Farndale named on Labor Council. James Farndale, senator from Clark County and vice president of the Nevada Federation of Labor, today was reappointed to a four year term on the Nevada Employment Security Council. The appointment was announced by governor EP Carville. Farndale, one of the outstanding administration leaders in the last legislature, will represent employees on the council.

He did much work on housing projects in the State and never forgot the World War One veterans.

Jim wrote a letter to his brother Alfred on 16 March 1945

Dear Alf.

I know you will be surprised to hear from me, but I just thought that it would be a good time to write to you. Our state of Nevada Government, which we call our Legislature is in session, and as you know I am a member of the Senate or the upper house. Each county of the state has one Senator. The session which lasts 60 days is about over but we have to stay on the job till all of the details are worked out, before we can go home. I enjoy this work very much as I have always very much interested in political matters and matters concerning government. There is of course quite a bit of honour in being a member of the Legislature. We don't meet every year but once in two years, then only for 60 days. There is always a lot to do. Any member can introduce bills and I always get more done than average, because I work harder than most of them. This letter head indicates the committees that I'm on.

I don't know whether or not you have heard that Jimmy made one flight to England. He had your address but he said while he was in England they wouldn't let him out of camp long enough to even try to telephone or visit. He came over by way of Brazil, there crossed the Atlantic to the coast of Africa and up north across Portugal and then landed I think in the Land's End area, where they delivered the plane and then went through London and north to Scotland crossing back to the US by plane. He had a great trip but was naturally disappointed in being so close to you and yet not able to see you. But that is the way with war as you both know from our experience in the First World War. Jimmy made two flights to India, and was wrecked in the jungles near Calcutta I believe, was stranded among natives for two days, and they had to leave the plane. He has visited Cairo twice and has seen many of India's important points. He now is in the Pacific, but he is still back in the US. They make trips over into the various isles about every two or three weeks. He is sure getting experience and is seeing the world. He is not satisfied when he is not in the air. They are keeping him busy now.

Janie’s husband has been sent overseas because I don't know whether he is out of U S yet or not. They have been living in Arizona, but she probably now will come back to near us while he is away. We are hoping so.

Mary is finished high school and in Washington at present, but she expects to go to college but not until next school year.

The two young ones are at home, Gordon and Doris. They are in school of course and will be there for several years yet. They are growing rapidly now.

Edna is quite well and is very busy. She does a lot of community work especially among the servicemen.

I expect to be back home in a couple of days, and will have to get back into my work immediately on returning. I would very much like to hear from you soon, and if you have the time give me news of your family and of all the news of the relatives since I hear very little of them. I will try to write occasionally now that I have broken my habit of not writing.

Best wishes to all.

Yours J Farndale.

PS please give my regards to all the others as you see them.

22 March 1945, Statutes of Nevada

In March 1946 Senators whose terms expire this year are James Farndale (D) of Clark.

In 1950 James Farndale, 64, was a County Housing Executive Director in Nevada, living with Edna Farndale, 55; Gordon Farndale, 18; Doris Farndale, 14.

In 1951, Jim and his daughter, Hazel Jane (always known as Janie) visited Canada again. By this time, his younger brother, Alfred had returned to England.

Edna and Jim with John and Janie Rydell

Jim wrote to Martin Farndale, Alf’s son, and the pioneer of this family research, on 22 March 1951.

Dear Martin

I started a letter to you several weeks ago and mailed it but it was returned insufficiently addressed. I then wrote to Aunt Grace and asked her to send your address. It just got here today, so I am trying again. Hope this reaches you.

We also had a very newsy letter from her with more news about the folks in England. She makes me homesick to be back there for a visit, but I don't know whether or not I will ever get to go. Aunt Grace and Uncle Howard are spending the winter in Calgary as you no doubt know. Aunt Kate had been visiting with them and I think uncle George also had paid them a visit. In that part of the world everyone is well. They've been having bad weather lately.

We are quite well here too. Janie is living with her husband and two boys in Arizona. John is still in the Air Force there and they own their own home. He may be going overseas before long and she may be with us more in that event. Jimmy is in Texas working for a commercial airline. He does a lot of flying in his off hours. He flies around the country but doesn't get home. His company doesn't fly anywhere near here.

He and I took a trip last summer during which we flew a total of 8,000 miles. He came home then but hasn't been back since. We saw a lot of the country. We flew up the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles, California, to Seattle, Washington, and then we went to Kansas City, Dallas, Texas and to Chicago, Illinois. He is in the Air Force reserve and may be called back in the service anytime.

Gordon and Doris, the two which you have never seen, are at home with us. Gordon has finished high school and started college, but he quit because he thought he would soon be drafted into the Armed Services. He will be 19 next month and then he likely will go. Doris is in her first year at high school and is doing very well.

Mary is in Los Angeles, California. She is working for a wholesale drug company, and attending classes at night.

Aunt Edna is quite well. There was recently a death in her family. Her stepfather died. He was 86 though so when he got sick he went rapidly. Her mother is left alone at 83. So that is something to worry about.

I'm still in the same position managing a government housing project. Our work is picking up now. Our housing units are filling up with defence workers.

As you know there is in this country a great movement on to rearm the country. It has not reached anything like the proportions of the last war, but the entire neat nation is gearing itself for a long hard struggle. It was on hold off for a few years, but we shall be ready for what happens. There is a growing belief here that Russia will eventually start a major war. It is certain she will unless the rest of the nations become so strong that Russia will not dare to attack. So we think it's best to be ready. The sacrifices we must make in getting prepared are hard but not near as bad as the terrific loss of life which would follow if we are attacked and we are not ready. The Korean affair has shown us this. Our men were untrained and unequipped, hence the terrific loss of life which has followed. Now that we have got equipment to them and they have gained experience, they were able to handle the situation with little loss and are now fitted against masses of untrained Reds. That's the way we like it, and I think the way it is going to be from this time forward. We know that the Western nations can outstrip the Reds by miles if we all get down to the business of preparing. The US alone can go a way out in front of the Russians and with the aid of England and France and the other Western nations they don't have a chance to match the combination.

Our country is in good condition. Employment is high and manpower is gradually getting easier. There is plenty of food and we're going to produce more than ever before.

Canada also is in a similar condition. Things are moving along nicely there and that country will play an important part in the job of producing defence products.

We are only about 50 miles from the atomic proving grounds and we saw and heard many of the explosions which took place a few weeks ago in this state. It was a marvellous sight even at this distance. I have never seen anything so brilliant.

We are hoping to go to Canada this summer, but we are not sure yet. We shall have to get a new car as ours is worn out and couldn't make such a trip now.

Let us hear from you as often as possible as we are always very pleased to get your letters. They are always very interesting.

With our best wishes.

Sincerely

James Farndale.

Jim and his son Jimmy visited Yorkshire in 1954. This was the first time Jim had been back to UK since the end of the First World War. This was a memorable visit which meant so much to him. He went again to Tidkinhow and to stay with those members of the family who had remained in England. Clevelander became US State Senator. Farndale, son of the late Mr and Mrs Martin Farndale, of Tidkinhow Farm, Saltburn, has recently visited this country after 43 years in Canada and the USA. He went to Canada in 1911 and afterwards to the United States. He served with the American forces in the First World War and later interested himself in municipal and domestic affairs, particularly Social Security for old age pensioners. Elected to the Nevada state assembly for two successive terms he entered the state Senate, in which he served for four years. Although much of his time was occupied as a state politician, he retained his interest in farming. He married miss Edna E Adams, daughter of an American farmer, and the couple have five children. Mr Farndale is now manager of a Housing Authority on a housing project. He flew back to Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday, accompanied by his son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs John Rydell, recently back from a military mission to Greece.

James and son Jimmy just before leaving for UK in April 1954 Jim and daughter Janie and others at Tidkinhow

At Tidkinhow in 1954 – James with his brother John At the ‘Club’ in Skelton during Jim’s visit to Yorkshire in 1954 (Alfred, John and James at table, with Jimmy behind

In 1955, Jim again visited Canada, with his two daughters, Janie and Mary.

In September 1955, Jim’s daughter Doris was killed in a car accident at the age of twenty. Jim took this very hard indeed and never really recovered from it.

New recreation facilities are in the offing in Reno on 19 December 1955 as the Clark County Housing Authority indicated it would approve use of an unused dormitory in Victory Village for that purpose. James Farndale, director of the Housing Authority, met yesterday with Herman Muehleisen, head of the public works department of this city and Dr Earl Gould, recreation director, to discuss plans which will permit the city to convert the building for all types of recreation. Farndale told Muehleisen that the proposal will have to be approved by the entire board of the Housing Authority and expressed his opinion that the request would be granted.

In March 1957 amendments to the industrial Insurance Act providing for increased benefits and establishing a medical appeal board were introduced in the Senate today by that body's committee on labour. The committee, at the same time, announced it was shelving a bill introduced earlier in the session by senators James Farndale (D) Clark and Charles Russell (R) White Pine, which would have written the present law. Farndale and Russell are members of the labour committee. “The amendments introduced today preserve all of the benefits provided in Senate bill 28 and additionally provide for the medical appeal board, and a higher funeral benefit” Farndale explained.

In September 1958 Jim’s brother Alf and his wife Peggy visited Jim at Las Vegas while on a visit to Canada. Jim was still active with the Carpenter’s Union, Housing Authority and Veterans. A member of the Governor’s Labour Council.

In September 1960 at a marriage in Las Vegas, the Rev Richard L Ewing officiated at the ceremony and Mrs James Farndale was organist.

In 1961, Jim again visited Canada for what was to be the last time.

Jim wrote to his brother Alf and Peggy on 14 December 1965

Dear Alf and Peggy

I know you will be wondering how we are so here are a few words. I am quite a bit improved over last year when I spent Christmas in a hospital. I am able to get up everyday and get outside when the weather is good. I can't do very much and have had to give up driving the car which is a handicap.

Edna is not well either but manages to keep house. She doesn't drive the car.

Our younger folks are all well how old doing well. Janie and John were here in August and Jimmy, Jean and Ingram were here for a few days in November. We hope Mary will be here for Christmas.

How are you both and how are the rest of the family? I understand Martin is in the Near East. I haven't his address but I hope to hear from him. I hope he is alright.

Best wishes and love to all.

Jim and Edna.

By 1967, his health was deteriorating badly. On 20 January 1967, Jim Farndale died at home, at 922 San Casino, Central Boulevard, Las Vegas. He is buried at Mountain View Gardens of Memory, Las Vegas. The funeral service was led by the Reverend Douglas Harrell of the First Methodist Church on 23 January 1967 at Bunker Brothers Chapel at 1pm.

By his own efforts Jim achieved much. He pioneered in Canada and America, got himself qualified through university, fought for his country and rose through the Nevada State Assembly to the Senate. He was always dogged by his ill health, but his courage and ability kept him going.

Southern Nevada loses devoted public servants. This was a sad week for old time southern Nevadans. Two Men who left rich legacies of public service in widely differing fields were buried. Both were born in England. Both built a home, family and gave almost half a century of service to southern Nevada. Their loss will be felt. Jim Farndale took care of the people who were poor, needed a job and a place to live they could afford. A life of service with labor, the poor, veterans and the homeless called to Jim Farndale. During the 1930s when Boulder Dam brought a surge of craftsmen to southern Nevada, Farndale helped hammer out a strong carpenters union. As a business agent, he became a guiding force in the Central Labor Council and Building and Trades Council. Farndale went to the Nevada Assembly twice and then was elected to the state senate. His name was engraved on the enabling legislation that created the federal housing authorities for Clark County and Las Vegas. Farndale later became executive director of the Clark County Federal Housing Authority which operated units in the city. These homes for the struggling poor of Henderson will serve as appropriate monuments to his life. He was a leader of veterans organisations, and above all held a reputation of being dependable and absolutely trustworthy. Another page has turned and those who guided the middle years in the growth of this community are beginning to leave us.

He left five children, Jim who lived in Dallas, Texas, Jane who lived in Austin, Texas, Gordon and Mary who lived in California, and Doris who was tragically killed in a car crash. He fought with the American Army in France in World War I, and visited England several times before he died in 1967.

Sunday 22 January 1967. James Farndale Rites Scheduled for tomorrow. Funeral for James Farndale is set for tomorrow, 1pm at Bunker Brothers Chapel with the Reverend Douglas Harrell, of the First Methodist Church, officiating. Farndale, a 38 year resident of Southern Nevada, died Friday in his home at 922 South Casino Center Boulevard. He was 81. Well known in legislative, labor and veterans circles, Farndale was instrumental in helping to establish many of their standard practices today. He is survived by his wife, Edna, two sons, James and Gordon, and two daughters, Mrs John Rydell and Mrs Sam Mentzer, all residing out of state; two brothers Alfred and John Farndale, and three sisters, Mrs Dorothy Ross, Mrs Mary Brown and Mrs Grace Holmes all residing in England and Canada. Farndale was a business agent for Carpenters Local 1780 in Las Vegas during the 1930s and later rose to prominence as a member of the Central Labor Council, the Building Trades Council and the Governor's Board of Labor Relations. He was elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1936 and again in 1940. Farndale was also a member of the state senate from 1942 to 1946. In addition to these functions, Farndale was executive director of the Federal Housing Authority here and served on the Clark County Housing Authority as well. He was a life member, past commander and past department commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of the American Legion, Veterans of World War One, Disabled Veterans and the First Methodist Church. Farndale was born in Yorkshire, England. He will be buried in Mount View Gardens of Memory.

Farndale Services Set Monday. Former state senator James Farndale, 81, will be buried Monday in Mount View Gardens of Memory cemetery. Reverend Douglass Harrell of the First Methodist Church will conduct 1pm services in Bunker Brothers Chapel. Mr Farndale died Friday in his home at 922 S Casino Blvd. He served two terms in the Nevada Assembly (1936-38 and 1940-42) and one term in the state Senate (1942-1946). He was also once the executive director of the Clark County Housing Authority. A carpenter from Yorkshire, Farndale represented Carpenters Local 1780 on the Central Labor Council, the governor's Labor Relations Board and the Building and Trades Council. He was a veteran of World War One. He is survived by his wife, Edna, two sons, James of Dallas, Texas, and Gordon of Canoga Park, California; two daughters, Mrs John E Rydell of Athens, Texas, and Mrs Sam Mentzer of Glendale, California, two brothers Alfred and John both in England; and three sisters, Mrs Dorothy Ross, Mrs Mary Brown and Mrs Grace Holmes, all in England.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No 9 - Senators Brown, Alleman, Bunker, Christensea, Gibson, Hecht, Herr and Lamb, File Number 23: Senate Concurrent Resolution - Memorialising the late Senator James Farndale. Whereas, The members of the 54th session of legislature of the State of Nevada have learned with deep regret and sorrow of the death of former Senator James Farndale on January 20, 1967, in Las Vegas, Nevada; and Whereas Senator Farndale, born in Yorkshire, England, migrated to the United States of America to become a most respected resident of Southern Nevada, for 28 years; and Whereas James Farndale distinguished himself in federal, state and local government service, as executive director of the Federal Housing Authority in Clark County, as assemblyman from Clark County in 1937 and 1941 regular sessions, as senator from Clark County in the 1943 and 1945 regular sessions, as a member of the Governor's Board of Labor Relations, and as a member of the Clark County Housing Authority; and Whereas, He achieved prominence for his contributions in the development of organised labor in this state while a member of the Central Labor Council and the Buildings Trades Council in Las Vegas, Nevada; and Whereas as the late Senator James Farndale was loyal and dedicated to his country, he was a life member, past commander and past department commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion, Veterans of World War One, and Disabled American Veterans; and Whereas James Farndale was a man of integrity, ability and courage always following the strength of his convictions, whose presence will be deeply missed in our state; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly concurring, That the members of the 54th session of legislature of the State of Nevada hereby express their condolences to the family and surviving relatives of the late Senator James Farndale; and be it further Resolved, that copies of this resolution be prepared and transmitted forthwith by the legislative counsel to the widow and surviving children of the deceased, Mrs Edna Farndale, Mrs John Rydell, Mrs Sam Mentzer, Mr Gordon Farndale and Mr James Farndale.

1967, Nevada Southern University, Las Vegas, 1 February 1967, Library. Dear Mrs Farndale. The library at Nevada Southern University has received funds for the purchase of a Volume in memory of your husband. We have added a volume in the Far West and Rockies Series to our Western America collection. This volume bears a special memorial plate for Mr Farndale. Our Western Collection is heavily used by our students faculty. We at Nevada Southern University feel truly honoured in being selected as part of the memorial to Mr Farndale. Mrs James Farndale, 92250 Casino Center Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Alan Bikle, United States Senate, Washington. Dear Mrs Farndale. Mrs Bikle and I were saddened to learn of the recent death of your husband. While there is little one can say or do to ease your loss at this time, we do want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As you know, Jim was a dear, loyal and devoted friend of ours. Sincerely. Alan Bikle

United States Senate, Washington. Dear Mrs Farndale. Please accept heartfelt condolences on the death of your husband. He was indeed a man of his times who participated in the problems of his day, and committed himself to a set of principles and a course of action. He left a record of significant accomplishments and long lasting influences on the institutions and programmes with which he was associated. I do hope that the sorrow over your loss will be eased by his good and rich life. Mrs Cannon joins me in the expression of sincere sympathy to you and your family. Howard Cannon

Jim and Edna

Jim’s wife, Edna, died at Austin, Texas, where she was in a home near her daughter, Janie, in 1979. Farndale, Mrs Edna E, 85, 4619 Madrona, died Tuesday. Services pending at Wilke-Clay Funeral Home. Survivors: daughters, Mrs Hazel Rydell of Austin, Mrs Mary Mentzer of La Crescenta, California; sons, James N Farndale of Garland, Gordon E Farndale of Garden Grove, California; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren.

Jim's family were the first of a new generation of Farndales in USA. His son, Jimmy, had no family, but his son Gordon had a son, Mark Farndale and a daughter, Linda Farndale Bruno.

Return to the Contents Page

or

Go Straight to Act 26 – the Americans

The webpage of Jim Farndale includes a chronology and research notes.