Another milestone is passed; another landmark erased by the hand of time; another of the real pioneers of this country, and the last member of one of the first families to settle in Burnet County; the last of a large and wonderful family of brave and strong men and women who valiantly fought the battles of the early settlers and endured the hardships and dangers of the times; blazed the trail and trod the beaten pathway for future generations.

They could tell us thrilling and breath-taking stories, true ones of the early days; the ever present danger from Indians; the battles, sacrifices, loneliness and other hardships that we of the present generation can barely realize, it seems so far in the distant past.

Although he was one of the youngest members of his family, the heritage of the pioneer was in his blood. He had seen the country emerge from almost primitive conditions to the amazing ease and prosperity of the present, and yet his eyes could behold a vision of an even greater future.

Francis Marion (Frank) Farquhar, son of Anderson and Lavina Kirkland Farquhar, was born in Fayette County, Alabama, on October 2, 1849. When he was about two years of age, his parents, bidding farewell to a large circle of kindred and friends and leaving behind the grave of a baby boy, began their long and perilous journey to this land of dangers and strangers.

They came by boat, down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, thence the Gulf of Mexico to Matagorda, Texas. Here they landed and prepared to continue their weary journey to the interior of Texas. Only a short way from Matagorda, they were delayed in crossing the Colorado River by high water, and during this interval, misfortune overtook the group and several in the party became ill. Two of the Farquhar girls died and are buried somewhere near Matagorda, Texas.

As soon as possible, the journey continued, going up the Colorado River by boat for some distance, then by ox-drawn wagons into Fayetteville, Fayette County, Texas. Here still another link was dropped from the family chain. This time a son, John, and another lonely grave was left to mark the trail of the early Texas pioneer.

Seemingly not satisfied with this location, Anderson Farquhar and others of the party came to Burnet County, selected permanent homesites in the northern part of the county, made the necessary arrangements and returned to Fayetteville to transfer the families, who had stayed behind. Thus they began again a long, wearysome journey, in ox-drawn wagons, across the stretches of Texas; beset by various dangers, rarely ever seeing a human being other than Indians, and not a house to be seen between old Round Rock and their destination.

Imagine their relief and joy when they reached the end of the way and began the task of home building. Here Anderson Farquhar and his good wife spent nearly all of the remaining years of their lives. In this home the children grew up, some settling on or near the old home place, while others drifted farther away. One dying in the service of his country; others making homes for themselves and rearing families of their own, until one by one they have answered the last call.

Francis Marion Farquhar was one of the younger members of this large family of thirteen children. On December 31, 1873, he was married to Miss Martha Samira Lastly and they settled on a part of the old homestead. To them were born six children, one of whom, a girl, died when a small child, and one a son, Sam, died several years ago. Those remaining are: M. L. Farquhar , Glendora, California; R. A. Farquhar, Menard, Texas; T. M Farquhar, and E. H. Farquhar of Lake Victor, Texas. His wife had preceeded him in death in 1932. Besides these, there are six grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Uncle Frank, as he was familiarly called, passed away quietly about 7:30 Friday morning, June 4, 1937, at the home of his son, Ed, in Lake Victor, where he had lived since the death of his wife. Uncle Frank was the highest type of man, pleasant and sincere, patient and kind, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. His body was laid to rest Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, by loving hands and under a blanket of beautiful flowers, a silent tribute of love from relatives and friends. He rests in peace beside his dear wife and little daughter, in Cauble Cemetery.

Rev. V. M. O'Hair, Baptist minister from Lampasas conducted the funeral service under the direction of the Burnet Furniture Company. The pallbearers were: J. T. Farquhar, J. A. Farquhar, C. M. Farquhar, A. J. Farquhar, Andy Barton and A. H. Jenkins.

Our hearts are touched with sympathy or the sorrowing ones. We share with them the burden of grief, for their sorrow is our sorrow and their loss, our loss.