MRS. FANNIE BARR

MRS. FANNIE BARR, the present proprietor of the Pioneer Paraso [sic] and Umbrella Manufactory of San Francisco, now located at No. 323 Bush street, is the widow of the late John D. Barr. The latter started the business in 1864 on Mission street, near Second, where it was conducted five years, and was then moved to it’s present location. Mr. Barr was born January 1, 1829, in New York, and his ancestors were from the North of Ireland, who came to New York early in the eighteenth century. He was educated in New York City, and learned his trade, that of a parasol and umbrella maker, in that city. When the great war of the Rebellion burst upon the country, and at the call of President Lincoln, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-second New York Volunteer Infantry, and after serving two years as a soldier he became sick. He received an honorable discharge and returned to New York, where he recovered his health to some extent. He then came to San Francisco, and as before mentioned, started the pioneer factory in his line in the State.

Mr. Barr was married in 1855 to Miss Fannie Blanc, a native of Ireland, and of French-Huguenot ancestry. They were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom still survive. Mr. Barr was a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the I.O.O.F., the A.O.U.W., and the G.A.R. He was an industrious, honest and honorable business man and a kind and indulgent husband and father. His death occurred June 12, 1890, of softening of the brain. Mrs. Barr, who had been his faithful wife for thirty-five years, and had from the start become an efficient helper in his business, is now conducting the same. Two of her sons, Stewart A. and Milton H., help her in the business. Mrs. Barr has a thorough knowledge of this business, and she now gives it her special attention, and they make goods for the wholesale trade and also on special orders for their customers. She is a quite, unassuming lady, and is deserving of the highest esteem and patronage of the citizens of San Francisco.

Transcribed by Dorene Paterson.

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, pages 156-157, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.