Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Farren, John
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Doylestown A-L


JOHN FARREN deceased, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., 
March 1, 1809, being a son of William and Jane (McVey) 
Farren, both natives of Ireland.  Mrs. Farren's grandfather, 
John Fretz, came from Bedminster township, and located where 
she now lives.  He built a house in 1797, which is still 
standing.  Our subject was reared on a farm, but early 
engaged in the contracting business, his father having been 
a contractor also.  He subsequently entered into the 
business quite extensively, and took a contract on the 
Pennsylvania railroad between the tunnel and Cresson Springs 
which he completed.  He took a number of contracts on other 
railroads and was interested in the building of the Hoosac 
tunnel.  In January, 1844, he married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Christian and Mary (Stoner) Fretz, and they had four 
children, one living, Mary S., wife of Samuel J. Penrose.  
Those deceased are:  Mary J., Francis and John A.  The last 
named died December 12, 1884.  Mrs. Farren has been a member 
of the Catholic church at Doylestown for forty years.  Mr. 
Farren died December 16, 1879.