JOHN G. FARRIS, 64, EXPERT ON POWER, DEAD AT REPUBLIC

July 8, 1954

John Gilbert Farris, 64, former Grangeville and Cottonwood power man, died July 8 at Spokane after an operation, it was learned here this week.  Farris had made his home at Republic, Wash., for several years.

John Gilbert Farris was born Dec. 1889 at Grangeville.  When four years of age he moved with his parents to Clearwater, where he grew to manhood.  In Jan. 1911, he married Hazel B. Livingston, a teacher in the Clearwater school.  In 1913 the family moved to Grangeville, Idaho, and he became an employee of the Grangeville Light & Water Co., and in 1919 became superintendent for the company at Kamiah.  In 1921 he was transferred by his company to Cottonwood as superintendent.

In 1929 he with two associates purchased a power plant at Creston, B.C. Canada, which he operated until 1934, when they sold their interests and he moved to Republic, Wash., a mining town lacking adequate power to operate the mines from the local plant.  A new transmission line was built 42 miles connecting with the Washington Water Power Co. at Tonasket, Was., under supervision of Mr. Farris.

A new company was formed, Republic Power Company, with the late Eugene Enloe, of Spokane, as president and Mr. Farris as superintendent and manager.  In Nov. 1945, the Republic Power Company sold their interests to P.U.D. 1 of Ferry County.

In Jan. 1946, Mr. Farris purchased the Tompkins Hardware at Republic, and continued to operate the store until his death July 8, 1954 at Spokane, following an operation.  He leaves his wife Hazel B., one son, Ursal G. and one daughter, Mrs. Edna B. Lackey, five grandchildren of Republic, Wash., two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Clark, Kooskia; and Grace Onthank, St. Maries Idaho.

Funeral services were held from Episcopal Church, Republic, Wash., July 12, Rev. Rowland Hills, of Spokane, officiating graveside services by F. & A. M. Burial was in Republic cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were Wm. Crea of Fenn, Idaho;  John Matach, Spokane, Wash., Earl D. Wolfe, Colville, Wash., Adrian D. Brumbaugh, Wash., and Clarence R. Bendry, Thomas F Howle, Earl Crea and Ted Tagg.

Pallbearers all from Republic, included, John P. Gaffney, Herb Dammann, W.H. Hall, T.R. McKeen, Dean Anderson and John Champa.

 

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