Bill Farley

Bill Farley is a second great grand-nephew of James A. Murray. His interest in Murray’s life was piqued when he found an obituary for Murray among the estate papers of his father in 2012. The obituary credited Murray with a significant role in pioneering the West, mentioned his obsession with practical jokes, and highlighted his generosity with pioneers that fell on hard times. Farley, whose career touched on mining, waterworks, and real estate, took the challenge to bring Murray’s full story to life. Prior to this complete work, Farley treated excerpts of Murray’s life in Montana:The Magazine of Western History, The Journal of San Diego History, and Wild West Magazine. Farley is native of Sacramento, California and currently resides in Ottumwa, Iowa.