Farley, Bill

BILL FARLEY is a second great-grandnephew 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 who 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. A native of Sacramento, California, Farley is currently completing his PhD in public policy at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a concentration on urban and regional planning.