Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 908.
 
JOHN D. FARRA

     is one of the leading citizens of Paisley, where he is operating a
first-class livery barn. He is favored with an excellent patronage, owing to his
care for the interests of his patrons, and he is considered one of the most
skillful business men of this part of the county. The birth of Mr. Farra
occurred on September 6, 1861, in Jackson county, Kansas, his parents being
David R. and Mary (Rice) Farra, natives of Kentucky, and South Carolina,
respectively. The father made a trip across the plains to California in 1849 and
later returned east. The brothers and sisters of our subject are Thomas J.,
deceased; Mrs. Mary White, of Klamath Falls: Edward L., of Jackson county,
Oregon ; Mrs. Lucy J. Singleterry of Portland, Oregon, and Walter H. and Samuel
G., of Bly. Mr. Farra is the second one of the children. Our subject went with
his parents to Daviess county, Missouri, when a child and came with them also to
Jackson county, Oregon, in 1870, where they both died. He secured his education
in the various places where he dwelt during his boyhood days and was reared on a
farm. In the spring of 1880, he came to Silver Lake in this county and began to
work for wages on a stock ranch. Later, he Went to Goose Lake Valley and was
foreman on the X. L. ranch for over five years. Then he engaged in the stock
business for himself and removed to the Chewaucan valley. This was about 1887.
He purchased a ranch and continued steadily in stock raising until 1897, when he
engaged in the livery business at Paisley. His two ranches of over five hundred
and fifty acres in the valley, are operated by tenants. He personally handles
the livery barn and oversees the ranches, and the handling of the stock which
consists of about two hundred head of cattle. The ranches are mostly hay land
and are valuable. The entire property that Mr. Farra now owns has been gained by
him since coming to this county, as he started entirely without means. In
addition to what has been mentioned, he has a good residence in Paisley and some
other property.
     Fraternally, Mr. Farra is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M. and the Eastern
Star.
     On June 9, 1902, Mr. Farra married Fannie B. Taylor, who was born in
Umatilla county, Oregon, the daughter of Pres and Clara (Wilson) Taylor, both
living near Paisley. Two children have, been born to this union. Earl Merrit and
Opal Esther. Mr. Farra has also one step-daughter, Virgie. Mr. Farra has served
as school clerk for several years and also as constable and at the present time,
he is justice of the peace in the Paisley precinct. He's a good citizen, an
upright man and a first-class business operator.


*******************

Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2011 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.