Pharrs And Farrs
Any serious researcher or genealogist tracing family heritage must get a copy of the compilation by Henry Newton Pharr, Pharrs and Farrs,: With Descendants From Five Scotch-Irish Pioneers in America, Also Some Other Farrs And Miscellaneous Data. This monumental volume traced the story of five Pharr brothers from the English Isles to America and their dissemination across the continent.
When I first began tracing my family history, I obtained a copy of this book. While very intriguing, the book made no mention of any Farr with whom I had personal knowledge. I had naively presumed that anyone with the surname “Farr” or “Pharr” would have been related at some point in time. Numerous corruptions of the surname existed throughout history, and only in the early 1800’s did there seem to be a consensus on the spelling and perhaps even the pronunciation of our surname. Two main spellings can be found today, Farr and Pharr, some being related and others not. Very little in H. N. Pharr’s book sheds light on the search for my Farr family origins except for one brief mention of a Jacob Pharr/Farr in Washington and Wilkes County in 1784. That mentioned turned out to be the key for discovery about my Farr family connections.
If you would like to discus the Pharr family and a possible connection let me know. Looks like I’m the most active of the Pharr research now. David Pharr
Hi, David,
We have connected a few times in the past, and I’m always interested in exchanging information about Farrs and Pharrs.
My last name is PHARR as well, would be interested on origins
The Pharr family was Scot Irish and of the Presbyterian Fait. The book is a good guide but a lot of mistakes. Some are simple and some not. When you do research take what is offered but try to document it 2 or 3 times. Bible records are a good but remember they are often put in years later. Some one dies or born and then they note no date for Uncle David or where buried. I have found Find a Grave helpful. If you have not joined check it out. I have been doing Genealogy now about 0 years. My normal search is Edward Neddy Phair and his line. Because of the many names shared I had to work some on His brothers and there family. If you have a question email me at redroad9@aim.com and I will try to answer it.
I’m descended from the Bain family, specifically William Bain whose father was Robert Bain. According to the Pharrs and Farrs book, Robert’s daughter Margaret married Henry Pharr in 1783. All information was recorded by Elias Pharr and given to me by my cousin Lindsey Baine.
I am a direct descendent of George Phair. Samuel, Smiley, and on. Unfortunately the book end my line at Delmer Farr which was my great grandfather and can fill in the line from there. It’s as if the skipped over that line. I have a well documented story line with photographs and such.
farrvanesa@gmail.com if you want to connect.