J. A. FARRIS was born April 13, 1852, in Lyon County, Ky., and is a son of Robert R. and Elizabeth Farris, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. Subject's paternal ancestors were of English descent, and among the early settlers of Tennessee. Robert R. Farris came to Kentucky when an infant, and for a number of years resided near Hopkinsville, Christian County. Later he moved to Caldwell County, where he lived until 1860, at which time he moved to Livingston County, locating near Salem, where he engaged in farming. In 1870 he was elected jailer of the county, and at the present time he resides in Smithland, attending to the duties of his office. Subject's mother, Elizabeth (Turley) Farris, was a daughter of one of the early pioneers of Caldwell County. She was born in that county, and died about 1854. The following are the names of the children of Robert R. and Elizabeth Farris: Margaret J., John R. Jr., William Thomas, J. A., J. D. and Macklin B., deceased. By a second marriage Mr. Farris had born to him two children: Charles and Richard. The subject of this sketch has been a resident of Livingston County since 1860. At the age of sixteen years he commenced clerking at Salem in the store of William Knouer, with whom he remained for five years, and at the end of that time he effected a co-partnership in the goods business with M. D. Coffield, which was continued four years. In 1876 the partnership was dissolved, and since that time Mr. Farris has been engaged in carrying on a large general store for himself, and now has a very extensive and lucrative trade. He commenced life a poor boy, and by skillful management has accumulated a handsome fortune, owning beside his store a fine farm in Salem Precinct. His stock of goods represents a capital of $4,000, and his business is constantly increasing. Mr. Farris was married October 14, 1875, to Lucy E. Threlkeld, daughter of Willis B. Threlkeld, of Crittenden County. Three children have been born to this union: Norborn R., Jessie L. and Robert Duke, all of whom are living.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 818.