Jacob Farr, shoe manufacturer, was born at Summerville, Jefferson county, Pa, in 1838. His opportunities for securing an education were very limited and at the age of 14, he secured employment as a clerk in a store in Philadelphia. After a short time he came to Allentown and acquired a thorough knowledge of the shoe business. He then opened a small store which led to the foundation ot the present shoe industry of Farr Brothers.
From a small beginning the business expanded until it became one of the largest of its kind in the Lehigh Valley. He died in April 1889 and was interred in the Union cemetery. He was a member of the Reformed Church.
He was married three times, (first) to Caroline Smith (Hoffman). They had a son William, who died in young manhood. He married (second) Elizabeth Haas, and they had Harvey Haas and Jacob L. Farr, who succeeded to their father’s business and trade under the name of Farr Brothers.
He married (third) Agnes Wittman, daughter of Joseph and Lovina (Kearns) Wittman. Mrs. Farr is a member of the Lutheran Church and is a highly respected lady. She resides at No. 825 Linden street, Allentown.