James Farel

biography

James Farel in 1849 came from Chautauqua county, New York, and settled south of Jerusalem Corners, taking up one hundred acres of land. On this property there are now thirty-five producing wells, all pumped by a single power. James Farel, the oldest son, owns the farm, but his brothers have an interest in it. The father died in 1862. He left three sons and a daughter, all now living. The sons are James, John and Nelson. The daughter, Sarah, is the wife of William B. Sterrett. Nelson lives in Titusville, and John lives at Westfield, New York, and is said to be the largest grape-grower in the state of New York. The Farel farm on Oil Creek was destined to become famous from the Noble well, which opened its gates in May, 1863, and made the Farel heirs and several others very wealthy. This well was a wonderful producer. Not until late years had the oil from any other single well sold for as much money as that from the Noble.