John Hamilton Farish, prominently known in real estate circles in St. Louis, has conducted business since 1890 under the name of J. H. Farish & Company, and is also identified with prominent financial interests as a representative of the directorate of several important corporations. Born in St. Louis on the 5th of March, 1863, he is a son of Edward T. and Lilly (Garesche) Farish, the former an attorney at law. The family comes of Virginia ancestry, represented at an early day in Caroline county. In fact, the first of the name came to America about one hundred and fifty years ago and in later generations the family has been represented in Louisiana and Mississippi.
John H. Farish was educated in Georgetown, D. C.. where he won his Bachelor of Arts degree on graduating from the university there. He afterward attended Washington University of St. Louis, which conferred upon him the Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree. After thorough preparation for his profession he entered at once upon active practice but in later years has directed his efforts Into other channels. He became manager of the St. Joseph Gas & Manufacturing Company of St. Joseph, Missouri, and in 1890 entered the field of real estate as senior partner of the firm of J. H. Farish & Company. He likewise became connected with the American Trust Company as a director and he is also a member of the directorate of the Grand Avenue Bank and of the Title Guaranty Trust Company of St. Louis.
On the 9th of September, 1891, in New Orleans, Mr. Farish was married to Miss Janet Pierson, a daughter of William H. and Cornelia (Hamilton) Pierson. The three children of this marriage are: Dorothy, the wife of John Brodhead; Frances M.; and John Newman. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Farish is a member of Missouri Council of the Knights of Columbus. He maintains an independent political course and in club circles is well known as a member of the St. Louis Country and Noonday Clubs.