John T. (John Thomson) Faris

Born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on January 25, 1871, John Thomson Faris became a remarkably productive American author, editor, and Presbyterian churchman. Records of his publications show a long career that ranged from devotional and educational books to works of history, biography, and travel, including titles such as Old Roads Out of Philadelphia, Hill Towns of Italy, and The Romance of Forgotten Men.

Faris also held an important role in church publishing and education. A memorial notice identifies him as a retired editor of the Board of Christian Education of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., a role that fits the large number of religious and instructional works published under his name.

He died in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 13, 1949, and was buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania. Taken together, his books suggest a writer who wanted to inform, encourage, and guide ordinary readers, whether he was writing about faith, notable lives, or the character of places near and far.