John Harrar was born in 1754-5 in Germany, the oldest son of emigrant John Harrar (ca. 1725-1799). He lived in New Jersey, was married twice, and had six children. John is remembered by his grandson John “as a man of large wiry frame, and had a great head of black hair.” He is not in my direct line.

Birth

1754-5 in Germany

Marriage

John was married twice, first to Patience a few years after the Revolutionary War and second to an unidentified person around 1792. In regards to Patience, a later John Harrar (1816-1911) of Philadelphia in his memoirs writes, “She claimed some Indian blood. Whether true or not, it may have been so, as neither my father, myself or either of my sons could cultivate a set of whiskers; but all having a very full head of hair, Indian fashion.”

Children

John had two children with his first wife and four with his second.

Children with Patience

1. Patience Harrar. She married and moved to New England shortly after her mother’s death, as she either did not agree with or approve of her stepmother.
2. John Harrar. Born July 1, 1786-7 in New Jersey. He died May 2, 1873. His mother Patience died in his infancy.

Children with Second Unidentified Wife

1. Edmund Harrar. Born about 1794 in Philadelphia. A rule maker. Married Mariah.
2. David Harrar. Born 1796 in Philadelphia. Wheelwright.
3. George Harrar. Born 1898 in Philadelphia. A rule maker. City Directory 1811: “George Harrar, rule maker, Coats bel 6th”
4. Martha Harrar. Born about 1808. Died July 26, 1893. Married first [unknown] Holland and had children Martha (1830-1893) and Frances (1832-1852). Married second John Hull.

Residence

He lived in Philadelphia on Christian Street, south side between 2nd and 3rd streets.

1786

In May 1786 “for 60 pounds in gold and silver money,” John Harrar purchased from Christopher Search a piece of property of some five acres in Byberry Township, Philadelphia County. It lay on “a certain road leading from Southampton to Swift’s Mill on Rolsquesink Creek.” It has once belonged to John Walton and his wife Barbara.

1790

1790 Philadelphia County Census
John Harrow is listed with one free white males 16 & up, one free white male under 16, and 2 females.

1821

His grandson John remembers visiting him at his home on the north side of Carpenter Street, west of Fourth.

Occupation

Carpenter and fence maker and worked much for Stephen Girard.

Military Service

John served in the Revolutionary War.

Death

1822 or 1823 at his son George’s house on Coates Street west of Old York Road.

Sources

• “Harrar Genealogy: The John Harrar Family of Pennsylvania” by James Aitken Harrar, M.D., 1945. (Download pdf file.)