Giles W. Farris was an American politician who was the only elected Oklahoma State Printer from January 1911 until his impeachment from office in February 1913. After his tenure, the office of State Printer was abolished by the Oklahoma Legislature, with the office officially ceasing to exist June 15, 1913.
Giles W. Farris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Oklahoma State Board of Equalizers | |
| In office January 15, 1947 – April 9, 1947 | |
| Appointed by | A. S. J. Shaw |
| Oklahoma State Printer | |
| In office January 1911 – February 26, 1913 | |
| Governor | Lee Cruce |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | W. M. Erwin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1874 Greene County, Missouri, US |
| Died | April 9, 1947 (aged 72-73) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
Early life
editGiles W. Farris was born in Greene County, Missouri in 1874. At 11, he entered the newspaper industry. Around 1902, he moved to Oklahoma Territory and worked for the Magnum Star, which he took over in 1904.[1][2]
State Printer
editHe was elected Oklahoma State Printer in 1910.[1] On December 27, 1912, Farris was arrest on the order of Attorney General Charles West and Oklahoma Examiner and Inspector Fred Parkinson for forging a name to receive $500 in state funds.[3] The charge was dismissed later the next month, and West forward the indictment to the Oklahoma House of Representatives recommending impeachment.[4] On January 27, 1913, the Oklahoma House voted to impeach Farris 89:1 and State Auditor Leo Meyer 84:6.[5] The Oklahoma Senate voted to remove him from office on February 26, in the state's first impeachment trial.[6] The Oklahoma Legislature subsequently passed a bill to abolish the state printer's office, but not until June 15; W. M. Erwin was appointed to serve in the position until its abolition.[7][8]
Later life and death
editState Auditor A. S. J. Shaw appointed Farris to the Oklahoma State Board of Equalization January 15, 1947.[9] He died on April 9, 1947, in Oklahoma City.[10]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Giles W. Farris | 39,324 | 41.6% | |
| Democratic | D. C. Lester | 33,704 | 35.7% | |
| Democratic | J. T. Highley | 21,316 | 22.5% | |
| Turnout | 94,344 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Giles W. Farris | 117,239 | 50.0% | ||
| Republican | Samuel L. Bartholomew | 93,215 | 39.8% | ||
| Socialist | Jacob J. Truinett | 23,717 | 10.1% | ||
| Democratic gain from | |||||
References
edit- ^ a b Corden, Seth K.; Richards, William B. (1912). The Oklahoma Red Book. Oklahoma City. p. 128. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Farris, Giles W. (October 13, 1937). "Giles W. Farris, Former Editor of Star, Recalls Experiences". Magnum Star. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Arrest of Giles Farris". January 1, 1913. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Impeachment Proceedings Against Farris Asked For". Harlow's Weekly. January 25, 1913. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Two High State Officers Before Senate Bar". Harlow's Weekly. February 1, 1913. p. 20. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Progress of Investigation and Impeachment". Harlow's Weekly. March 1, 1913. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Offices Abolished". Harlow's Weekly. March 22, 1913. p. 15. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Printing to State Board of Affairs". Harlow's Weekly. June 21, 1913. p. 7. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "Giles Farris is named to Equalization Post". The Daily Oklahoman. January 16, 1947. p. 35. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "State Printer, Official Dead". Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise. April 10, 1947. p. 2. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ a b "1907-1912 Results" (PDF). oklahoma.gov. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved 23 September 2023.