Résumé

Principal, William Farrell, Architect, Tacoma, WA, Fall 1883-1884. As noted in the National Register of Historic Places College Park Historic District report, "[Farrell] is thought to be Tacoma’s first resident architect, [who] arrived in the fall of 1883, [and] immediately set up his architectural office and was inundated with work.” (See North Slope Historic District.org, “College Park Historic District from the National Register of Historic Places Nomination,” accessed 07/22/2021.)

Partner, Farrell and [C. August] Darmer, Architects, Tacoma, WA, 1884-c. 1891.

Partner, Farrell and [Frederick T.] Sherman, Architects, Tacoma, WA, c. 1892-1895. In 1895, Farrell and Sherman maintained their office in Rooms 15 and 16 at 952 ½ Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. (See R.L. Polk and Compan's Tacoma, Washington, City Directory, 1895, pp. 254 and 684.)

Due to the poor econimic climate prevailing for much of the 1890s, Farrell may have had to turn to other professions during 1897-1900. A "William Farrell" was listed as a janitor at the Chamber of Commerce Building. (See R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1899, p. 237.) A man with the same name and his wife served as a steward and matron, respectively, at Whitworth College in 1900. (See R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1900, p. 242.)

According to Tacoma Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for the Pochert and Kellogg-Sicker Buildings (2012), “Although he had planned to work in Portland, Darmer decicded [sic] to take a position with Tacoma architect William Farrell in 1884, creating the architectural firm of Farrell and Darmer. Business became so slow that by the end of 1891 Farrell withdrew from the partnership. This was the start of a nine year depression which became so severe that Darmer eventually set off to British Columbia, hoping to make money through the Kootenay mining boom. He worked on several office buildings, hotels, and residences while there.” (See City of Tacoma, Landmarks Preservation Commission.org, “Pochert & Kellogg-Sicker Buildings,” published 09/26/2012, accessed 07/22/2021, p. 8.)

Partner, Proctor and Farrell, Architects, Tacoma, WA, 1901-1907. Proctor and Farrell had an office in Room #308 of the National Bank of Commerce Building in 1901-1902. (See R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1901, p. 296 and R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1902, p. 255.)

Relocation

Farrell was born in NY State in 1837.

The Washington Territorial Censuses of 1885 and 1887, listed William Farrell as living in Tacoma, WA, along with his wife Anna and daughter Nelliie. (See Ancestry.com, Source Information: Washington, U.S., State and Territorial Censuses, 1857-1892 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006, accessed 07/22/2021 and Ancestry.com, Source Information Ancestry.com. Washington, U.S., State and Territorial Censuses, 1857-1892 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006, accessed 07/22/2021.)

R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1895, (p. 254), noted that Farrell lived at 3616 Washington Street. A year later, he dwelled at 1017 South I Street in 1896. (See R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1896, p. 226.)

He made his residence at 3320 North Union Avenue in 1901 and 1902. (See R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1901, p. 296 and R.L. Polk and Company's Tacoma, WA, City Directory, 1902, p. 255.)

At age 73, he continued to reside in Tacoma in 1910, when he boarded in Nellie Low's boarding house at 8 Saint Helens Avenue.

Spouse

He wed Anna Farrell (born c. 1838 in IN). They had divorced by 1910, if not earlier.

Children

He and Anna had a daughter, Nellie Farrell (born c. 1871 in MO).