|
George Farmer was born around 1863 in Oswestry. In 1871 he was living with his parents, at 10 View Cottages, Oswestry. George senior was 52, a cabinet maker from Llansantffraid, his wife Elizabeth 53, born in Berriew. They had four children living with them, William 27, a French polisher, James, 14, a labourer, Alfred 14, a lamp maker, George himself, 8 a scholar. All were born in Oswestry.
Also living with them were their grandchildren Mary Elizabeth 9 and Emma 4, also Oswestry born.
By 1881, George senior had died, and widowed Elizabeth 64, was still at 10 View Cootages. With her were James 28, fitter machinist, Alfred a tin smith and George 18, a skinner. Granddaughter Emily 15 was also living with the family.
In 1881, George played for Oswestry and remained with the club until 1885
|
F. A. Cup 1883 - 84 |
|
3rd Rd. Queen's Park 7 v 1 Oswestry |
|
In 1884, George playingfor Oswestry football club, hehelpedthe clubtake the Welsh Cup over the border, in1884, for the first time.
|
Welsh Cup Final 1883/84
Oswestry White Stars 1 v 0 Druids
(replay)
 |
|
5 April 1884 at the Racecourse, Wrexham
Oswestry White Stars 0-0 Druids
Oswestry White Stars:
R T Gough,
J H Williams, S Powell,
W T Foulkes, M Evans, S Smith,
J Evans, E G Shaw, W H Davies,G Farmer, J Roach
Druids:
B Roberts,
R Jones, A Powell,
E Bowen, R Davies, R Roberts,
J Doughty, T Jones, W Davies, R A Jones, W Williams
Referee T Sloan (Liverpool) Attendance 2000
1883/84 REPLAY
14 April 1884 at the Racecourse, Wrexham
Oswestry White Stars 1-0 Druids
J Evans
Both teams unchanged
Referee G Tagg (Wrexham) Attendance 3000 |
|
| |
His footballing talents were recognised when he was chosen to play for Wales on two occasions, both of them during the Home International matches in 1885.
|
WELSH INTERNATIONAL CAPS
|
George was quoted as a clever and constructive player, and was noted as "a fine passer" who was capable of "beautiful work". Tom Gough, FAW President, who had played with Farmer, described him as "the finest corner kicker I ever saw". |
|
ENGLAND 1 v1WALES
14th March 1885 at Blackburn |
|
Welsh team;
1. R.H.Mills-Roberts,
(Merionethshire)
2. Jones F.R., 3. Thomas G.
(Bangor) (Wrexham Olympic)
4. Davies R. 5. Jones H. 6. Davies J.E.
(Druids) (Bangor) (Oswestry)
7. Vaughan T., 8. Farmer G, 9. Lewis W. 10. Burke T. 11. Wilding J.
(Rhyl) (Oswestry) (Bangor) ( both Wrexham Olympic) |
|
This match was played at Blackburn, in front of 6,000 spectators. The Welsh team were without the services of J. Powell, Vaughan and Roberts, who are connected with Bolton Wanderers, and this weakened them consider. The Welshmen were first on the field and were received with hearty cheers.. The Englishmen were delayed by a local photographer.
Wales kicked off uphill at 3.30 prompt. Brown centred grandly , Lofthouse however kicked over the line. Davenport obtained an English corner, followed by a grand kick to goal by Moore and Bambridge made a better kick over his head to goal, the Welsh fortress being all but captured.
A sensational run by Lofthouse and a splendid shot at goal were loudly cheered, Roberts fisting out tin brilliant style. Directly afterwards the ball went in again, but was preventedgoing through.
Farmer and Lewis put in some good work on the left for Wales, Moore and Ward defending well. Davies and Vaughan on the right for Wales, and theleft couple, infused a lot of life in the game.
Brown next fastened on the ball and shot. The leather came back to Mitchell, who put in a grand shot quite out of the reach of Roberts, amid great cheering, 35 minutes having elapsed.
The jubilancy of the English soon had occasion to collapse, as Lewis and his partner down the left dashed away. Arthur ran out, and the ball shot through, the goalkeeper falling This occurred less than a minute after the English success. Half time was reached with the game standing 1 goal each.
The second half commenced with an attack on the Welsh goal, Roberts only just manging to clear. Brown, getting the ball in his own quarters, ran it literally into the opposite goal when Roberts saved it in marvellous fashion, both players being heartily cheered.
A hard fought scrimmage in the English goal resulted in a corner for Wales. The latter, just before the call of time, were all but scoring, and on the other hand, Brown was only brought to grass a few yards from goal. The whistle at last blew leaving the game drawn one goal each. The match on the whole was very tame.
The English team; H. Arthur (Blackburn Rovers), goal; T. Ward (Blackburn Olympic) and H.T. Moore (Notts County) backs; N.C. Bailey (Old Westmisters) captain, and J. Forrest (Blackburn Rovers), half backs; J. Brown (Blackburn Rovers) and C. Mitchell (Upton Park), centres; J. Lofthouse (Blackburn Rovers) and R. Davenport (Bolton Wanderers) right wing; E.C. Bainbridge (Swifts) and J.A. Dixon (Notts County) left wing. |
|
WALES 1 v 8 SCOTLAND
23rd March 1885 at Wrexham |
|
Welsh team;
1. Mills-Roberts,
2. Powell 3. Thomas G.
4. Burke 5. Jones H. 6. Foulkes
7. Hibbott, 8. Farmer, 9. Lloyd, 10. Jones R.A. 11 Wilding | |
|
In 1885 George playedfor Oswestry White Stars football club when they lost in Welsh Cup Final to Druids.
|
Welsh Cup Final 1883/84
Druids 3 v 1 Oswestry White Stars
(replay) |
|
7 March 1885 at the Racecourse, Wrexham
Druids 1-1 Oswestry White Stars
Powell - Topham
Druids:
J Jones,
W H M Jones, R Jones,
J Davies, W Williams, R Davies,
E Bowen, R Doughty, A Powell, R A Jones, T Jones
Oswestry White Stars:
R T Gough,
J H Williams, S Powell, W T Foulkes, A Roberts, M Evans, J E Davies, J Evans, R Topham,G Farmer, J Roach
Referee T Sloan (Liverpool) Attendance 2000
|
The 1885 final at The Racecourse was a repeat of the previous year's. Druids were expected to win and "came on to the field first and had a game amongst themselves, but then left the field owing to the non-appearance of their opponents".
Eventually, The Ruabon team kicked off with the wind and R. T. Gough in the opposing goal soon had plenty to do. A Jones netted in the 17th minute from an Albert Powell pass but then the Druids forwards missed several favourable chances of scoring.
White Stars equalised in the 70th minute (60th in one report) following a scrimmage. Druids then broke away several times but "their forwards were not up to scratch" and, despite thirty minutes extra time, there was no urther scoring.
A Jones and Doughty were commended in press reports for playing well, while Topham was good for Oswestry and Gough "gave capital service". Seth Powell of Oswestry, a Welsh International who was later a professional with West Bromwich Albion, was said to be the best defender, while the "forward play for Druids was below average. |
|
The History of the Welsh Cup 1877-1993
Ian Garland
ISBN 1 872424 37 6 |
1884/85 REPLAY
14 April 1884 at the Racecourse, Wrexham
Druids 3-1 Oswestry White Stars
a.e.t. full time score 1-1
Bowen, Powell, unknown - J Evans
Druids:
J Jones,
W H M Jones, R Jones,
J Davies, W Williams, R Davies,
E Bowen, R Doughty, A Powell, J Doughty, R A Jones
Oswestry White Stars:
R T Gough,
J H Williams, S Powell,
W T Foulkes, A Roberts, M Evans,
J E Davies, J Evans, R Topham,G Farmer,J Roach
Referee T Sloan (Liverpool) Attendance 2000
|
The rivals met again in the replay a month later with virtually the same personnel. Oswestry brought with them to the Racecourse some 400 - 500 supporters by special train and were late arriving. In the 3rd minute centre forward John Evans (Oswestry) hit a clever shot past J Jones for the first goal and the Shropshire team maintained the offensive for most of the first half.
At half time the players were not allowed a breather, the teams changed ends and battle re-commenced. In the second half it was a different story and Druids finally scored following a free kick in the mouth of the goal, A scrimmage followed and the ball was sent past Gough. "The game was renewed with unabated vigour and varying fortune but when time was called neither side has increased their score".
Consultations followed and after a lengthy deliberation extra time was agreed. The additional period was dominated by Druids as Oswestry ran out of steam and goals from Edward Bowen and Albert Powell made the final result 3v1 |
|
The History of the Welsh Cup 1877 - 1993
Ian Garland
ISBN 1 872424 37 6 | |
|
| |
George Farmer joined Everton in 1885 along with George Dobson of Bolton Wanderers and the pair were the first professionals ever signed by the club.
 |
EVERTON F.C. |
|
George played for Everton between 1885 and 1890
making 31 league appearances
and scoring 1 goal
The Football League was not formed until the 1888 - 89 season
|
These are the football kits worn by the club at the time
|
OUTDOOR SPORTS
FIXTURES FOR THIS DAY (SATURDAY)
FOOTBALL
(22nd August 1885 - supplied by Ian Garland) |
|
In the match Everton v. Darwen which will be played at Anfield, the following players will represent the teams; - Darwen: T. Suter, Warburton, Baron, Hamilton, Barnes, Owen, Afarshall, Walton, Roston, Campbell and J.C. Holden (Edinburgh University).
Everton: The team will be chosen from the following - Pickering, Marriott, Dobson, M. Evans, Findley, Coray, Fleming, Wilding,Farmer,Higgins, Gurley, McGill, Gibson, and Brown. Kick-off 4.30. |
|
Everton results c 1885
1v3 Bolton Wanderers
3v4 Rawtenstall
5v0 St Benedict's
1v0 Darwen
3v1 Stanley
2v1 Accrington
4v0 Astley Bridge
4v1 Derby County
3v0 Rossendale
5v0 South Shore (Blackpool)
| |
| |
1888 - 89 |
Pl |
W |
D |
L |
F - A |
Pts |
|
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 |
Preston
Aston Villa
Wolves
Blackburn
Bolton
W.B.A.
Accrington
Everton
Burnley
Derby
Notts County
Stoke |
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22 |
18
12
12
10
10
10
6
9
7
7
5
4 |
4
5
4
6
2
2
8
2
3
2
2
4 |
0
5
6
6
10
10
8
11
12
13
15
14 |
74 - 15
61 - 43
50 - 37
66 - 45
63 - 59
40 - 46
48 - 48
35 - 46
42 - 62
41 - 60
39 - 73
26 - 51 |
40
29
28
26
22
22
20
20
17
16
12
12 |
|
F. A. Cup 1888 - 89 |
|
Everton did not compete. |
|
Everton F.C. 1889 - 90
First Division Runners-up |
|
|
|
Back row; D. Waugh (Trainer), A. Hannah (Capt.) R.E. Smalley, D. Doyle,
R. Molyneux (Sec.)
Middle row; A. Latta, J. Weir, J. Holt, G. Farmer, E. Chadwick
Front Row; C. Parry, F. Geary, A. Brady |
| |
1889 - 90 |
Pl |
W |
D |
L |
F - A |
Pts |
|
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 |
Preston
Everton
Blackburn
Wolves
W.B.A.
Accrington
Derby
Aston Villa
Bolton
Notts County
Burnley
Stoke |
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22 |
15
14
12
10
11
9
9
7
9
6
4
3 |
3
3
3
5
3
6
3
5
1
5
5
4 |
4
5
7
7
8
7
10
10
12
11
13
15 |
71 - 30
65 - 40
78 - 41
51 - 38
47 - 50
53 - 56
43 - 55
43 - 51
54 - 65
43 - 51
36 - 65
27 - 69 |
33
31
27
25
25
24
21
19
19
17
13
10 |
|
F. A. Cup 1889 - 90 |
|
1st Rd Everton 11 v 2 Derby
2nd Rd Stoke 4 v 2 Everton |
The following season Everton were Champions, but George had left the club.
|
1890 - 91 |
Pl |
W |
D |
L |
F - A |
Pts |
|
Everton |
22 |
14 |
1 |
7 |
63 - 29 |
29 | | |
George continued his footballing career with the following non-league clubs.
By 1891, George, 27 had married Louisa Gallant, 25, born in Liverpool, and was living at 36 Pulford Street, Everton. He was a leather dresser. At the time they had three children, Georgina 3, George 2 and William Thomas just 3 days old.
In 1901, the family consisting of George, 37, now a tin smith inspector, Louisa 35 and Georgina 13 were living at 123 Belmont Road in the Brickfield district of Liverpool.
George Farmer died in West Derby, on the 4th May 1905
|
Death Notice
|
FARMER - May 4th at 123 Belmont Road age 40. George the beloved husband of Louisa Farmer and late of Everton Football Club internment at Anfield,tomorrow Sunday morning at 9.00. |
Obituary
|
Death of Old Evertonian Football Player |
|
In our obituary column will be noticed the death of Mr George Farmer, which occured on Thursday at 123 Belmont Road.
The deceased, some 20 years ago, was a prominent member of Everton football team and was playing for the club when the football league was organised.
Everton being one of the clubs in the original formation.
For many George Farmer was known as one of the most skilful forward players in English Association Football circles and was one of a sortie which assisted to build up the fortunes of Everton Football Club to the heights they now enjoy.
Many present followers of the game will remember the old team which included Smalley, McGill, Fleming, Richards, Dobson, Chadwick, Holt, Cassidy, Milne, Higgins, Dick and others.
These were days when football was played practically for their own sport and with little of the commercial element which has since been introduced.
Mr Farmer who died at the early age of 40 will be interred on Sunday morning at 9.00 am at Anfield Cemetery.
It must be mentioned that he lived in Oswestry before coming to Liverpool to join Everton Football Club. |
Information courtesy of Elaine Ball |
|
George's parents |
|
In 1861, the census before George Farmer (junior) was born, his parents George 44, cabinet maker and Elizabeth 44, children Eliza, 19, William 16 and Edward 11 lived at Queen's Square (?) Oswestry.
Ten years earlier, 1851, they lived in Beatrice Street, Oswestry. George 34, was making cabinets, Elizabeth was 34. Their family consisted of George Henry 12, Eliza 9, William 8, and Edward 1. All were Oswestry born, George Henry is recorded as being deaf and dumb.
The earliest census of 1841, shows the couple George and Elizabeth, both aged 20, George a cabinet maker. Their two children Geroge Henry and Eliza were 2 and 6 weeks respectively. |
|
George's wife Louisa's parents |
|
In 1881, before Louisa married George, she lived at 27 Lyell Street Everton. Her father William Gallant 57, and was a mariner, born in London. His wife Isabella, formerly Rodgers, was 52 and was born on the Isle of Man. The two children living at home were William 18 and Louisa 14. Grand daughter Hilda Stephenson 5, was living with them. All were Liverpool born.
24 Titchfield Street, Liverpool housed the family in 1871. William was recorded as 42 with Isabella 42, son William was 8 and Louisa 4.
1861 saw the family at 22 Burlington Street Court. William was 30 and a mariner, merchant seaman, Isabella 20, Jane 6 and Thomas 5 months. Theresa Rodgers 19, from the Isle of Man was a seamstress and visiting them at the time of the census.
Louisa's father William was the son of Thomas Stephen Gallant born in London around 1874. |
|
FAMILY CONNECTION;
GEORGE OWENS
Former Chairman of the
WELSH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION |
|
George Owens presents the Welsh F.A. Youth Cup
to Elwyn Cookson, Captain of the Druids Youth team, 1957
|
Enid Hughes would like to know more about her uncle, George Owens who married George Farmer's niece Amy, and became Chairman of the Welsh Football Association.
|
George Owens outside his home at
Anedd Deg, Aberystwyth with
family members and friends
|
|
Enid as a young girl with her Uncle George, and her aunts Emily and Amy. Enid's mother, Doris Farmer is on the right
|
|
Enid with her parents, Doris and Jack Farmer
|
Enid can be contacted via mail@penmon.org KD | |
