Farquhar Estates and the Farquhar Family

Before the Farquhar Estates neighborhood existed, these grounds were part of the estate of Arthur Briggs Farquhar, one of the preeminent industrialists and philanthropists of York, Pennsylvania from the 1870s until the 1920s. Through detailed deed records, maps, and local newspaper accounts, Part One traces who lived here, from the first colonial land grant in 1736 to the suburban neighborhood of today.

In addition to numerous images of A.B.'s grand Edgecombe estate, Part Two features never-before-published photographs and recent interviews with descendants for an in-depth look at the Farquhar family, with particular attention to A.B.'s youngest son, Francis. A reserved intellectual and scholar, he was an attorney in New York City before reluctantly returning home to take over his father's extensive farming equipment enterprise. He became a noted community leader in York working tirelessly for its improvement for 50 years. To the surprise of both the family and the author, research revealed that Charlotte, Francis' wife, was his equal in civic leadership and the advancement of community welfare.

Richly illustrated, the book will appeal to readers drawn to the intimate history and daily lives of one of York's wealthiest and most influential families, as well as to those interested in the evolution of the classic post-War development that emerged from their estate.