12/24/2015
A little history of the building taken from the Souvenir Supplement of the Nokomis Progress printed in 1903...
From the inception of this general write-up we have intended to devote considerable space to some of the oldest and most respected residents and men of business interests, but among so many good business men we find it more than difficult to select one with any degree of justice.
However, the name that strikes us most forceful at present as one of the legitimate merchants, a man of true integrity of purpose, excellent business qualifications, noted for his honest and upright dealings with his fellowmen, is our worthy townsman, John J. Farner, located just across the street north of the public square. His store has a floor space of 2250 square feet. He buys his goods wherever the best and cheapest can be had for cash, always in large quantities. He pays spot cash and sells for cash. Therefore it is easy to see how he can and does sell cheaper than the cheapest. He carries a select line of men's and boys' perfect fitting suits tailor-made, not sweatshop and auction goods. This is the right place to go for the little fellow's first suit, from head to foot. Sizes three years and up, nice clean goods at reasonable prices. Hats, caps, gloves, and suspenders, always the latest novelties in neckwear, a full line of ladies' and gent's furnishings. Ironclad hosiery, underwear, buggy whips, wall paper, window shades, jewelry, clocks, spectacles, a full line of warranted pocket knives, razors, all kinds of dishes, chamber sets, a complete line of graniteware and tinware and the latest in sad irons, dustpans and corn poppers. Oil cans with which you can fill your lamps in the dark, without danger of running over. Don't fail to ask to see all these specialties. Pictures and frames out-class anything found outside of the large cities, only the prices are less. A large line of fancy Indian baskets, consisting of sewing, trinket and waste baskets; dress shirts, work shirts, all-wool flannel shirts, overalls and pants warranted against defects and ripping. A large assortment to select from.
Notions, ribbons, purses, novelties of all kinds suitable for birthday and wedding presents, umbrellas, trunks, valises and corsets. He also carries a line of toilet articles, and remedies that will cure the sick, sold under guarantee to give satisfaction, and the one positive cure for catarrh and failing eyesight, and that will restore hearing. He carries a line of shoes suitable for all tastes and purposes that are guaranteed to give satisfaction and sold at prices to suit your money. A trial will convince you.
Also all grades of rubbers; in fact, you can get everything needed in a family except dress goods and groceries, and he says he is planning to add these two lines, after which he intends to be able to supply all your needs.
Mr. Farner was born in Switzerland May 22, 1844, landed in Highland, Illinois, in 1854, and a year later moved to Alton, Illinois. In 1860, he moved with his parents to Prairie Town, where he learned the blacksmith trade. He was never an office seeker, but soon after he became a voter he was elected constable, which office he resigned rather than sell out a poor man's effects for debt. Afterwards he filled the office of assessor for a couple of terms. In 1877 he landed at his present location in Nokomis and conducted a blacksmithing and implement house up to about 1889.
Giving that business up he started up his general merchandising business. His success has been phenomenal in this line, which is unquestionably due to his good business qualifications, executive ability and fair, honest and upright dealings with his fellowman.
Mr. Farner is the father of five children. Miss Louise, the eldest, is a stenographer in St. Louis, Jacob, aged 19, is a railroad clerk in East St. Louis, Miss Carrie, a handsome young lad of 17 summers, is just out of school, Miss Lillian, aged 15, is a pupil of the high school, and Frederick, aged 12, is in school.
