James H. Farley has led a life of activity and filled with enterprising and various labors, during which, also, he has manifested those rare qualities of integrity, up rightness, and perseverance, which together with his wise methods of procedure and Industry, have given him the competence of a prosperous business man and owner of real property. James H. was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on October 15, 1858, being the son of Patrick and Catherine Farleu, who settled at Dubuque when it was but a small hamlet, being natives of New York; state. The father served three years in the Civil war, participating in numerous battles and at the close was honorably discharged. Our subject went with his parents to Kelsey, Massachusetts, and after the war they all removed to St. Louis, where the father went to railroading on the Illinois & St. Louis Railroad where he held the position of road minister for nine years and at the time of his death, in 1892, he was general manager of the entire road. Our subject learned railroading, beginning as a Menial, then operated as engineer, and later retired from it and handled a stationary engine in Kansas City. Following that the went to work on a horse ranch near North Platte, Nebraska, remaining there until 1881, then migrated to Granger, Idaho, worked on the railroad a short time and then came to where Ontario now stands. Not liking the country he went to Olds Ferry, operating the same for a time, and then to the Grande Londe valley in 1882, where he took a timber claim near Elgin and operated a saw mill. Later he sold this property and then we find him in Seattle, whence he went to Walla Walla, and from that point to Ontario. He engaged to run an engine for the mines oil Snake river, and in 1900 he purchased the entire property of the Ontario Livery and Feed Stable, consisting of barn and full equipment. He now handles a first-class livery, probably the largest in the entire country, and his rigs are first-class, his horses of the best and an untiring care for the welfare of his patrons is manifested by him constantly. In addition Mr. Farley handles coal, does a general dray and teaming, business, and handles a good farm of five miles south-west from the town. He also owns twenty acres adjoining Ontario.
The marriage of Mr. Farley and Miss Martha, daughter of Jesse and Catherine Darr was solemnized on November 17, 1884, and they have become the parents of five children: Jesse, Kate, Lulu E., James H., deceased, and Opal M. Mr. Farley is affiliated with the I. O. O. F., Ontario Lodge, No. 90, also with the A. F. & A. M., Acacia Lodge, No. 118, and with the K. of P., and the A. O. U. W., while he and his wife are members of the Rebekahs and the Eastern Star