James John Faran (December 29, 1808 – December 12, 1892) was an American lawyer and politician who served two terms as a U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1845 to 1849.

Early life and career

James John Faran was born on December 29, 1808, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Faran attended the common schools, and was graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in 1831. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1833. He commenced practice in Cincinnati.

Political career

Faran was elected as a Democrat a member of the State house of representatives 1835-1839 and served as speaker in 1838 and 1839. He served in the State senate 1839–1843, and was its presiding officer 1841–1843. He served as associate editor and proprietor of The Cincinnati Enquirer 1844–1881.

Congress

Faran was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Congresses (March 4, 1845 – March 3, 1849). He served as chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds (Twenty-ninth Congress). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1848.

Later career

Faran was appointed by Governor Medill one of the commissioners to supervise the erection of the State capitol in 1854.

Mayor of Cincinnati

Faran served as mayor of Cincinnati 1855–1857. He was appointed by President Buchanan postmaster of Cincinnati June 4, 1855, and served until October 21, 1859. He served as delegate to the 1860 Democratic National Convention at Baltimore. He engaged in newspaper work until shortly before his death.

Death

On December 12, 1892, Faran died in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was interred in Spring Grove Cemetery.

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