NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

One of the successful mercantile establishments at Wharton is the general store and meat market conducted by James H. FARR. The business was established there in 1877, thirty-five years ago, by the mother of James H. FARR, and has been continuous in its prosperity and in its reputation for supplying first-class goods to the trade. Mrs. FARR was an energetic and business like woman and continued to conduct the store until 1901, at which time her son, James H., took charge, and he has since developed and extended its trade until it is now one of the best stores in the smaller centers of Morris county.

James H. FARR was born in Wharton, New Jersey, October 10, 1877, a son of George William Harris and Matilda (MALSOM) FARR. His father was a native of Wales, and the mother of England, and they were married in the latter country, coming to America after two children had been born to them. The father died in New Jersey, January 17, 1907, while the mother still lives at Wharton. By occupation, the father was a blacksmith and wheelwright and conducted a shop at Wharton for a long number of years. The mother added to the enterprise, under the family name, by establishing and conducting with much success the store, which has already been mentioned. The father in politics was a Republican and a Methodist in religion, while his wife is a communicant of the Episcopal faith. Their children were:

• Susannah;
• Reuben;
• Catherine, wife of Robert CURTIS;
• George William Harris;
• Helen, wife of William J. HILL;
• Dr. Frederick C.;
• James H.;
• Edith, wife of Harry HANCE.

James H. FARR has been a practical worker nearly all his years. Up to the age of about twelve he attended the common schools, but then started out to learn a practical vocation and continued with his father in the blacksmith shop for about eleven years. He then did blacksmithing, and also assisted his mother. For some years he has actively and successfully managed the store. In 1903 Mr. FARR married Alice MARTIN, born at Wharton, daughter of James and Mary MARTIN, her father having been a mine boss. The MARTIN children were:

• Mary,
• Jennie,
• Annie,
• Grace,
• Nellie,
• Lena,
• Lizzie,
• Lilly.

Mr. and Mrs. FARR have just one daughter,

• Doris May.

In politics he is an independent voter, and affiliates with the B. P. O. E. at Dover.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).

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