Rufus Farnam
1766–1863 (age 97)
merchant/shipbuilder
Biography
Rufus Farnam was a distinguished merchant and shipbuilder whose enterprises shaped the maritime economy of New Bedford during the early nineteenth century. Born in 1766, he established himself as a leading figure in one of America's most important whaling and shipping centers.
Farnam's contributions to New Bedford's commercial development reflected the ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of his generation. He continued his business activities until his death in 1863, leaving behind a significant impact on the region's industrial heritage.