John Farren |
| Posted 2016-02-02 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Prescott Evening Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, August 1, 1929, page 1, column 6 John Farren Is Taken By Death John Farren, native of Ireland, pioneer of Arizona, and an early day saloon keeper at the 'Half Way House' between here and Fort Whipple, died at 10:20 o'clock last night at the Arizona Pioneers' home of yellow jaundice. He would have been 67 years old next November 23. Very little of Farren's early years is recalled by old timers of this community that were questioned, except that he immigrated to America while still a youth. The records of the pioneer home show that he was born in Ireland on November 23, 1853, that he settled in Arizona first in Tombstone in 1884, and that he was admitted to the home from Yavapai county on October 10, 1923. Between those Tombstone days and prohibition, however, Farren became best known in this section of the state. Some say that it was in the early 90's that he started the Half Way House. In a way it represented last chance and a first chance for the early residents of Prescott, Whipple and vicinity to get a drink of frothy beer sweating schooner. For his place was a rendezvous - a sort of country saloon, minus the curlicues and high polish of more urban bars, but a place nonetheless where cold beer and good whisky could be obtained, so the old timers say. 'Johnnie' Farren's Half Way House thrived best right after the soldier boys came back loaded with tales about the Philippines. To them and the teamsters, the one going back to the fort and the other returning to the mines from Prescott with loads of supplies, the Half Way House was the last chance. To the incoming soldiers and the incoming miners and teamsters it was the first chance. He is said by old timers to have been a big joker - he liked to josh a lot and his affability added spice to the joke. He is also said to have been a friend of the old timers, for he treated his patrons right. His friends were legion and his acquaintances almost numberless. And now, John Farren is dead. He has been in the hospital at the pioneers' home for the ten days proceeding his death. No relatives survive him, according to the secretary at the home; only a brother-in-law, James Cronin, who also is a guest at the home. Burial details have not been completed. His estate includes the building that once housed the bar and a small rent house. Transcriber's note: Mr. Farren is buried in an unmarked grave at the Citizens Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona. |
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