James Farren
Feb. 11, 1910; Oregonian, p 8  (photo)
"104 Farren's Age"
Grant's Pass, Or., Feb. 10

   James Farren, who died at his home on Briggs creek Wednesday at the remarkable age of 104 years, was a resident of Josephine county for 37 years and prior to taking up his home on Briggs creek he lived in Missouri 40 years.

   He was born at McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee, July 4, 1806.  At the age of 19 he moved to Missouri and subsequently married a Kentucky girl.

   Andrew Jackson was the first president for whom he voted and that was in 1828 at the age of 22 years.

   Men of his vigor and youth at that time received $10 per month including board and washing.  Before he died he told friends that he attributed his hale and hearty health at his age to be the consequence of a temperate life in every respect.  He never drank intoxicating liquors nor used tobacco.  During his long career he lived and assisted in developing Tennessee, Missouri, California and Oregon and in each instance he stood foremost as a pioneer in blazing the trail.  Behind his long train of years was his father, who died at the age of 101 years.

   In these two persons lived, father and son, both have seen the rise and growth of our government from a colony to the present staple form of government.  His father served in the revolutionary war and assisted materially in forming the outcome and results.  Taking both lives together, they have voted at every presidential election of the United States up to the present time.  Mr. Farren Jr., has voted for 21 presidents.

   Up to and within a few months before he died he could be seen any time by the neighbors packing goods over the trail to his mountain home and frequently riding to this city, a distance of 30 miles, in one day.  He was the best informed hunter of Southern Oregon.  Out of 14 children, but three survive him and they are:  A. Farren and W. Farren, sons, who reside on Briggs creek, and a married daughter at this place.  He was sick but a few days before death ended his long career.