Willis Farris was appointed the first sheriff of Hancock County, Alabama, serving from August 31, 1850 to September 19, 1853. After Hancock County was renamed Winston County in 1858, he served another term as sheriff from 1859 until 1865. He was also elected to represent Winston County in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1874 until 1876, where he was very active in legislation for the county. Many of his descendants still remain in Winston County and the surrounding areas.