Career
Farley began his political career in 1871 when he was elected to Cleveland City Council as a Democrat and served three terms. In 1883, Farley was elected mayor of Cleveland. After serving one term in office, he was appointed collector of internal revenue by President Grover Cleveland.
After this, he was later made director of public works in Cleveland under Mayor Robert Blee in 1893.
Farley then decided to run for mayor again. He defeated the incumbent Republican mayor, Robert East. McKisson, in 1899.
In his tenure as mayor, Farley had to request the state militia to support Cleveland police in maintaining order during the streetcar strike in 1899. In 1901, Farley decided to retire from the mayor"s office.
His successor would be a progressive Democrat, Tom L. Johnson, regarded by many as Cleveland"s greatest mayor.
After his mayorship, Farley made a career in business and played a part in the founding of the Central National Bank. He died of a stroke in 1922.
