Ralph Farnum was born about 1603 in Co. Leicester, England. He emigrated in Jul 1635 from London, co. Middlesex, England arriving on the "James". He was a proprietor in 1639 in Ipswich, Essex Co., Massachusetts. About 1652, he moved from Ipswich, Essex Co., Massachusetts to Andover, Essex Co., Massachusetts. He died before 18 Jun 1648, the date of his wife's second marriage. Others confuse his son Ralph's date of death with his. He was a barber. He was also known as Ralph Farman. He was also known as Ralph Farnham. He was married to Alice before 1628.

Alice was born about 1607. Children were:

i. Mary Farnum was born about 1628. She died on 3 Feb 1714 in Andover, Essex Co., Massachusetts. She was married to Daniel Poore on 20 Oct 1650 in Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts.
ii. Sgt. Thomas Farnum was born about 1631 in England. He died on 11 Jan 1685/86 in Andover, Essex Co., Massachusetts.
iii. Ralph Farnum Jr..
iv. Sarah Farnum was born in 1638 in Andover, Essex Co., Massachusetts. She died on 12 May 1728 in Andover, Essex Co., Massachusetts.
v. John Farnum was born about 1640 in Andover, Essex Co., Massachusetts. He died on 17 Jun 1723 in Andover, Essex Co., Massachusetts.

Alice married second Solomon Martin on 18 Jun 1648.