Biography of: Charles B. Farris Laurel County, Kentucky Source; Biographical Sketches from, "Kentucky, History of the State" Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, Laurel County **************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for profit or any form of presentation, must obtain the written consent of the file submitter, or his legal representative and then contact the listed USGENWEB archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net. Submitted by: Vera Burnham vburnham@metrocast.net Date: November 29, 2002 **************************************************************************** Charles B. Faris was born in Laurel County, KY, June 25, 1821. His ancestors came to America from Wales at an early date and settled in Virginia. His grandfather, Isham Faris, came to Kentucky in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and first settled in Lincoln County, but subsequently moved to what is now Laurel County, where he was a farmer until his death. He was the father of nine children, of whom James I., the father of our subject was the fifth child.The latter was born in Lincoln County,KY,in 1793, and was a farmer by occupation all his life. His wife, Mary (Blakely) Faris, a native of Virginia, of Irish descent was a daughter of Charles and Sarah Blakely. To James I. and Mary Faris were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters, viz: Mahala, Charles, Elizabeth, Hansford, Joseph, Sarah, John, William, Esom and James. Charles B. Faris was brought up on the farm and received his education in the common schools. He followed farming until 1855, when he was elected circuit court and county clerk of Laurel County, holding both positions until 1865. In the latter year he re-signed, and was elected to represent Laurel and Rockcastle Counties in the Legislature. He subsequently turned his attention to the study of the law, however, having previously been admitted to the bar in 1866. He practiced his profession in connection with mercantile pursuits until 1882, when he gave up the law practice and devoted his entire attention to merchandising, at the present time enjoying as large a patronage as any merchant in eastern Kentucky. March 15, 1842, he married Sarah, a daughter of William and Barbara (Storm) McHargue, of Laurel County. They are the parents of eight children, viz: Emily J., John H., William, Hiram, Mary, Barbara, Lizzie and Lucinda. Mr. Faris is a member of the Christian Church, and politically is a Republican.