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.