Pratt & Farmer: History

The Company[1]

Erasmus Crake Pratt founded the notions company known as E. C. Pratt around 1837 in the UK. According to the Cambridge English Dictionary notions were “cloth, pins, thread, etc. used for sewing, or a store or department of a large store that sell these” [2]. The business moved to Philadelphia when Erasmus immigrated to the USA in 1839. Erasmus’s brother, John Humphrey Pratt Sr., immigrated to the USA seven years later in 1846 and joined his brother’s company which became known as E. C. Pratt & Bro.[3] At some point between 1851[4] and 1860[5] their younger brother, Marshall Pratt, also immigrated to the USA and he also became a partner with his brothers. In the early 1860’s George Penrice Farmer joined the Pratt business and when he became a partner with the three Pratt brothers in 1865, the business was renamed E. C. Pratt, Bros. & Co. which was first listed in a Philadelphia city directory as such in 1866[6].

In 1870 the business moved to New York where the firm had a branch for a number of years which now became the company’s headquarters. The advertisements[7] seen below show some of the notions the firm sold in their store. The partnership between the four men expired at the beginning of 1870[8] and Erasmus C. Pratt, John H. Pratt and George Farmer established a new partnership for their New York business which continued to be known as E. C. Pratt, Bros. & Co. The three Pratt brothers and George Farmer also formed a new partnership to handle the Philadelphia side of the business which became known as Marshall Pratt & Co.[9], most likely with Marshall Pratt managing it. During the late 1860’s[10] Erasmus returned to the UK and most likely worked at the Pratt Bros & Farmer business at 29 Graham Street which moved to 62 Frederick Street in Birmingham by 1873[11]. In 1875[12] Erasmus retired from the business and the partnership between the Pratt brothers and Mr. Farmer ended. The business was carried on by John Humphrey Pratt Sr. and George Penrice Farmer and was renamed Pratt & Farmer around 1875[13], although it was not listed in city directories with that name until 1878[14] when it was recorded as at 29 Mercer Street in New York. Then by 1881 John Sr. also returned to the UK and settled in the Birmingham area probably managing the Pratt & Farmer business there at 39 Albert Street, Dale End[15]. His son, John Humphrey Pratt Jr., appears to have worked for the Pratt & Farmer business in New York for a few years. The company moved to 27 Thomas Street in New York sometime between 1880[16] and 1882[17], then around 1886[18] to 1888[19] was relocated to 77 Franklin Street where it remained until 1889[20]. John Sr’s youngest son, Erasmus Crake Pratt who was named after his uncle, also may have worked for the Pratt & Farmer business for a short period of time as a traveling salesman in the London area.

John Humphrey Pratt Sr. retired in 1888[21] and the partnership between Mr. Pratt and Mr. Farmer was dissolved that year and the business was carried on solely by Mr. Farmer. The company was located in New York City at 353 Broadway from 1891[22] until at least 1898[23]. His two sons, William Henry Farmer and Edward Damai Farmer, joined him in the business and William became president and director after their father’s death in 1900[24] and Edward became the treasurer and a director. William’s son, Burt Grenell Farmer, and grandson, Burt George Farmer, also worked for the Pratt & Farmer business. In 1901[25] when the estate of William Avery of Redditch was settled, the Pratt & Farmer company seal was affixed to the agreement for the sale of needles and goods in the United States and Canada. When the company celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1962 the article below was published in a local newspaper regarding the company’s history. Unfortunately, not much information has been found regarding the company after 1975 which implies the Pratt & Farmer went out of business around that time.

1962[26] Firm’s 125th Anniversary

4 Generations of Local Family Associated With Concern.

By Della J. Bryce

“If George P. Farmer, who obtained a position about a hundred years ago with the American branch of an English notions firm, could have foreseen that his son, grandson and great-grandson were also to be associated with the company, he would undoubtedly have been as astonished as he would be at the Montclair of today.

Montclair, the home of all four generations and the birthplace of three, was just a village of about 5,000 people when Mr. Farmer came here in 1880 and bought a fourteen-acre farm on Orange Rd.

The company, Pratt & Farmer, notions wholesale firm, is observing its 125th anniversary this year, and with a nationwide business continues to be one of the leaders in its field. The present president is Burt Grenell Farmer, George Farmer’s grandson, who lives at 384 Highland Ave., Upper Montclair. The third generation of the family to head the firm, he succeeded his father William Henry Farmer, who died in 1942. The fourth generation, Burt George Farmer, who lives at the Highland Ave. address, travels for the firm in Virginia and the Washington, D. C., area.

High Standards

An article about the company’s anniversary in “Notion and Novelty Review.” trade publication, concludes, “Pratt & Farmer’s slogan was “Needles and pins, needles and pins-your buying worries end where Pratt & Farmer begins.” In its second century and third and fourth generations, Pratt & Farmer Co. is moving with the tide of change – continuing with quality merchandise, integrity and service. That old slogan still rings true.”

Nowadays when a woman wants to buy thread, needles, pins, hairpins, hooks and eyes, tape measures, ribbons, buttons and such necessities, she finds them, with a great variety of other beguiling items, concentrated in one section of a department store, the always fascinating notions counter. When Pratt & Farmer started in 1837, notions such as button hooks and needles, were not found in any one department, and were often sold in hardware stores.

The company was established in Philadelphia as a branch of E. C. Pratt & Bro., Birmingham, England, dealers in notions and hardware smallwares, and also agents for John English & Co., Feckenham, England, manufacturers of needles and fishing hooks.

George Farmer was born in England and brought to this country at the age of three. His parents settled in Philadelphia, and he grew up there. He joined the Pratt Company during the Civil War and became a partner in 1865. The name then became Pratt Bros. & Farmer. Five years later, Mr. Farmer opened a branch in New York City, and in 1875, when Erasmus Pratt, the founder, died, Mr. Farmer acquired his interest and the name of the company was changed to Pratt & Farmer. The firm was incorporated in 1900.

For many years the offices were at 35 White Str., New York City, and since the late 1930’s have been at 30th St. and Park Ave.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

His son William Henry Farmer, president of the firm from 1901 to 1942, lived at 8 Draper Ter., one of the streets cut through his father’s property. At the time of his death he was considered to be the dean of the notions business, and acted as a consultant in the field. He had been associated with the firm for fifty-four years.

William H. Farmer was active in the First Baptist Church and was a member of the board of deacons and superintendent of the Sunday School. He belonged to the Home Guard during World War I, was in of the founders of the South Side Association, and was active in the Y.M.C.A.

Burt Grenell Farmer, who has been associated with Pratt & Farmer for forty-one years, traveled for many years as a representative of the firm. He went to work with his father’s company after completing his studies at the Peddie School, Hightstown. Mr. Farmer is a trustee and treasurer of the Central Presbyterian Church, a member of the Notions Round Table, New York City. His interest formerly included golf and a stamp collection. Beside their son, Mr. and Mrs. Farmer have a daughter, Sue, who attends Lasell Junior College, Auburndale, Mass.

Burt George Farmer joined the firm in the Summer of 1960 and was elected to the board of directors in December 1960. He is a graduate of Nichols College and received a degree in business administration in June 1960. He will be married Oct. 20 in Central Presbyterian Church to Miss Ann Tombyll of Short Hills.”

To date eight Avery style needle cases have been found stamped with the Pratt & Farmer name. These include the: Athena Golden, Butterfly Box: Oval Tub, Christmas Pincher, Demi-Quad: Cleopatra, Florence, Hedgehog Needle and Pin Case, Stella Golden and the Universal Pin Case. All of these were either patented by William Avery and Albert Fenton or were registered by William Avery or W. Avery & Son of Redditch between 1869 and 1872. All of these are stamped with the Pratt & Farmer name indicating they must have been made on or after 1875/1878[27] because prior to that year the company had a slightly different name. Only two of these eight are unique, the Christmas Pincher and the Demi-Quad: Cleopatra.

Athough there are three pincher style Avery needle cases: the Christmas Pincer, Floral Bouquet Pincer and the Minerva Pincer, the basic design is the same, only the exterior decoration was customized for specific companies because each one has only been found with one company name.Although there are three pincher style Avery needle cases: the Christmas Pincer, Floral Bouquet Pincer and the Minerva Pincer, the basic design is the same, only the exterior decoration was customized for specific companies because each one has only been found with one company name. The Christmas Pincer, pictured here[28], has only been found with the Pratt & Farmer name.

There are eight slightly different versions of the Demi-Quad, but the Cleopatra version must have been made specifically for Pratt & Farmer as it has never been seen with another name stamped on it. The center decoration is a globe tilted sideways with the words Trade Mark at the top and the words Universal on a band that surrounds the globe’s middle. This could mean the globe was the trademark of Pratt & Farmer which possibly represented their world trade.

Most Avery style needle cases contained the name of a company including the city where the business was located. It is interesting to note that none of the needle cases with the Pratt & Farmer name include a city or town name. This could be because the company had businesses in New York and Philadelphia in the USA and in Birmingham in the UK and they wanted to sell these needle cases in all three places. In later years when the company became known as Pratt & Farmer Co, the city New York was listed on items like the Toilet Pins box seen below[29]. This was most likely because the firm’s New York business was their main headquarters. Also, two of the original company owners who returned to the UK were listed in the 1871 and 1881 UK censuses as American merchants[30] .

The Pratt Owners[31]

The father of the Pratt brothers was James Erasmus Pratt who was born c1787 in Lyneham[32], Oxfordshire, a town approximately 76 miles northwest of London and 49 miles south of Birmingham. At some point prior to 1812, James moved 31 miles northwest to the town of Alcester in Warwickshire where he married Ann Haywood. James and Ann had at least 9 children between 1812 and 1835, all born in Alcester: Erasmus Crake, Ann, Sarah, John Humphrey, William H., Catherine, Marshall, Wilson and Maria. At first the family lived on High Street in Alcester before moving to Priory Street sometime between 1841 and 1851. James spent his entire life working as a linen and woolen draper. After retiring around 1851, the family moved about 5 miles south to neighboringhspace=12 Salford Priors where his wife Ann was born. Ann died there in 1860 at age 69 of dilatation of the left auricle of the heart and was buried at the local cemetery. Five years later in 1865 James also died there of melancholia at age 77 and was buried at the St. Matthews Cemetery in Salford Priors. He left an estate valued at £450 proved by the oath of his 47-year-old unmarried daughter, Ann, who was living with him at the time of his death.

Erasmus Crake Pratt, the eldest son of James Erasmus Pratt and Ann Haywood, was born c1812 and baptized later that year in Alcester. At age 26, Erasmus traveled about 68 miles southwest to the coastal town of Bristol, where he sailed to America, arriving in New York in 1839. He was listed as a merchant on the ship’s passenger list and after arriving settled in Philadelphia where his notion business became known as E. C. Pratt. Erasmus married Sophia Parry in Pennsylvania in 1845 and they had 3 children between 1846 and 1849: Mary Sophia, Rowland Parry and James Frederick. In 1850 this Pratt family was living with what appear to be Sophia’s brothers: Rowland and Thomas Parry. Sophia died in Philadelphia 7 years later in 1857 at age 43. At some point shortly after her death, Erasmus took his two surviving children back to the UK as they were both baptized in January 1860 in Salford Priors where he was listed as an American merchant who resided in Salford. Erasmus returned to the US shortly thereafter and continued to live with the Parry brothers and by 1860 had achieved a high degree of success as he was listed as an importer with an estate valued at $10,000 (approximately equal to $370,688[33] today). While Erasmus was in American, his two surviving children: Mary S. and Rowland P. were living with Erasmus’s father in Salford Priors, UK in 1861. In 1863 Erasmus was living in Philadelphia as an importer next to his two brothers: Marshall and John H. Pratt. Sometime between 1863 and 1871 Erasmus married his second wife Lydia Storey Giddings who was born in Vermont. After his son Rowland P. returned to the US and died in 1866 in Philadelphia, Erasmus and Lydia moved back to the UK by 1871. That year they were living in Edgbaston, a suburb of Birmingham where Erasmus was listed as an American merchant. Erasmus retired in 1875 from the Pratt business he established and died less than a year later at age 63 in 1876 of phthisis pulmonaria at Salford Priors. He was buried at St. Mathews Churchyard cemetery there and left as estate valued at under £14,000 (approximately equal to £1,992,107[34] today) proved by his brother John Humprey Pratt who also lived in the Birmingham area at that time. After his death Lydia moved in with John Humphrey Pratt and his children until her death in 1886 at age 62 of cystic disease of the ovary, chronic bronchitis and asthma while visiting the Isle of Wight.

John Humprey Pratt Sr. was the middle son of James Erasmus Pratt and Ann Haywood and the younger brother of Erasmus Crake Pratt. He was born c1824 and was baptized in Alcester in 1824. At age 22, in 1846, he sailed from Liverpool to New York and settled in Philadelphia where he eventually became a partner with his brother Erasmus. John Sr. married Virginia Peters Harris in Philadelphia in 1858 and they had 5 children between 1860 and 1867: Sarah Haywood, Agnes, Anne Eliza Virginia, John Humprey Jr., and Erasmus Crake Jr. This Pratt family lived in Philadelphia where John Sr. worked as an importer. In 1863 he was listed as living next to his two brothers, Erasmus Crake and Marshall. Unfortunately, his wife Virginia died at age 32 in 1868 in Philadelphia. After his wife’s death John Sr.’s children were moved to the UK where by 1871 his daughter Anne Eliza Virginia and son Erasmus Crake Pratt Jr. were living with John Sr.’s older brother, Erasmus Crake Pratt Sr., in Edgbaston and his other son, John Humphery Jr., was living with their Haywood and Pratt relatives in the Oversley section of Alcester. In 1870 John Sr. was living by himself in New York City, most likely assisting in the transition of the Pratt & Farmer business to New York. By 1881 John Sr. also moved back to the UK and was living in Edgbaston working as an American merchant living with four of his children and his brother Erasmus Sr.’s widow, Lydia Pratt. John retired from the Pratt business in 1888 and died 2 years later in 1890 at age 67 of chronic brights disease in Leamington Priors[35], Warwickshire. He was buried at St. Matthews Churchyard cemetery in Salford Priors and left as estate valued at £1,838 (approximately equal to £291,255[36] today) to his sons John Humphrey Pratt Jr. and Erasmus Crake Pratt Jr. His obituary below provides additional information about his life.

1890[37] US Obituary: John H. Pratt

“John H. Pratt died on Friday last at his home in Leamington, England at the age of sixty-seven. Mr. Pratt was born at Alcester in Warwickshire. He came to this county in 1850, after having had some business experience in England, and joined his brother, Erasmus C. Pratt, who in 1839 had begun business in this city as an importer and wholesale dealer in needles, pins, and small wares. The firm became E. C. Pratt & Brother, and afterwards by the admission of George P. Farmer, E. C. Pratt, Brother & Co. It early established a branch house in Philadelphia, and John H. Pratt, who was actively identified with the extension of the business, became perhaps as widely known as any man in the wholesale notion trade all over the United States. In 1875 Erasmus C. Pratt retired from the firm, which took the present name of Pratt & Farmer. E. C. Pratt died soon afterward. John H. Pratt also retired two years ago, although he still retained the management of the London office, and was actively concerned in the firm’s affairs.

Mr. Farmer received yesterday morning by the Etruria a letter from his late partner written with his own hand, which did not indicate that he was seriously ill. The cable had announced his death Saturday. Mrs. Pratt died some years ago. Mr. Pratt leaves two sons, John H. Pratt Jr. who is with Pratt & Farmer in this city, and Erasmus C. Pratt, who is in business in London. He will be buried in his native town in Warwickshire.”

Although John’s son, John Humphrey Jr. who was born in 1865 in Brooklyn, New York, was listed as an America merchant in his father’s 1890 probate and as working at Pratt & Farmer in his father’s obituary, he probably only worked for his father’s company for a short period of time. By 1900 John Jr. was listed as a bookkeeper and by 1910 as a secretary to a playing card factory which means he most likely left Pratt & Farmer not long after his father’s death. According to John Humphrey Pratt Jr.’s 1949 obituary he was a retired president of the U.S. Playing Card Company in New York. The other son of John Sr. was Erasmus Crake Pratt Jr., who was born in Philadelphia in 1867. Erasmus Jr. moved to the London area and by 1891 was working as a commercial traveler and by 1901 as a commission agent. When he died at age 58 in 1926 of cancer of the pancreas and myocarditis with syncope, he was listed as a bookmaker and he left an estate valued at £11,050 (approximately equal to £832,916[38] today).

Marshall Pratt was the 4th son of James Erasmus Pratt and Ann Haywood. He was born in Alcester in 1830 and by 1851 was living in Birmingham working as a woolen draper’s assistant. By 1860 he immigrated to the USA and was living in Philadelphia working as a clerk. Marshall never married and at some point became partners with his older brothers Erasmus and John. When the Pratt business moved to New York and their partnership expired in 1870[39], Marshall established a new partnership with his brothers and George Farmer to conduct an importing and commission business in Philadelphia under the name Marshall Pratt & Co. Marshall remained in Philadelphia and in 1870 and 1880 was living with his younger brother Wilson and his family and in 1880 was working as a traveling agent. Marshall died in Philadelphia in 1882 at age 52 and was buried there at the Woodlands Cemetery. He left a personal estate of £34 to his two sisters, Maria Pratt a spinster and Catherine Chamberlain Freeman a widow, who both lived in Leamington Priors.

The Farmer Owners[40]

The father of George Penrice Farmer was Robert Farmer who was born in c1801 in England and in 1824 married Anne Penrice in Feckenham, a town 20 miles south of Birmingham and about 6 miles south of Redditch. Robert and Anne had 3 children born in the area between 1828 and 1836: Elizabeth, Martha and George Penrice. At some point around 1839 the Farmer family moved to America and settled in Philadelphia where Robert worked as a tailor. Robert died there in 1864 at age 63 and was buried at the local Lawnview Cemetery. Ann continued to live in the Philadelphia area with her daughter Martha and in 1870 her real estate was valued at $1,000 and her personal estate at $200. Ann lived a long life and died twenty years after her husband in 1884 at age 84 and was also buried at the Lawnview Cemetery.

The youngest child and only son of Robert Farmer and Anne Penrice was George Penrice Farmer[41] who was born c1836 and baptized that year at Ashwood Bank[42], a small village 3 miles east of Feckenham and 4 miles south of Redditch. At age three in 1839 he immigrated to America with his parents and was living with them in 1860 while working as a salesman. In 1862 he married Helena Damai who was born in Pennsylvania. By 1870 George was working as a hardware importer and had a personal estate valued at $20,000 (approximately equal to $469,727[43] today) indicating he attained a high level of success, whereas in 1875 his home was valued at $14,000 (approximately equal to $391,581[44] today). In 1880 he was working as a notion importer and in 1900 as a pin manufacturer. This Farmer family lived in Philadelphia at first but by 1875 were living in Brooklyn, New York where they remained for a few years. They then moved to Montclair, New Jersey as that was where their third son was born in 1877, a town 28 miles northwest of Brooklyn. George and Helen had 5 children between 1863 and 1882, the first three were born in Pennsylvania and the last two in Montclair, New Jersey: Annie E., George E., William Henry, Edward Damai and Helena Elizabeth. Earlier in 1872 George obtained a passport and he traveled back to England at least once in 1883 possibly to visit with the Pratt & Farmer business in the Birmingham area. George and Helena’s eldest son George E. died in 1900 at age 35 while visiting California. George died later that year at age 64 in Montclair and was buried at the local Rosedale Cemetery. Helena continued to live in Montclair until her death there ten years later in 1910 at age 72. She was also buried at the Rosedale Cemetery. George’s obituary, transcribed below, provides additional information about his life.

1900[45] Obituary: Death of George P. Farmer

“Father of Late George E. Farmer of This City Passes Away at Montclair Was Prominent in Business.

The death was announced shortly after noon today of George P. Farmer, president of the G. P. Farmer Coal and Supply company of Asbury Park, and the father of the late George E. Farmer, who died suddenly late March while on a tour through California.

Mr. Farmer, who was well known in Asbury Park, was 68 years of age and a resident of Montclair, N.J. He was actively identified with many important business enterprises. Mr. Farmer was president of the Consolidated Safety Pin company of Bloomfield, president of the Pratt & Farmer Importing company of New York, and also president of the John English Needle company of England.

He leaves surviving four children – William H., Edward D., Annie F. and Helen G1., all residents of Montclair. Announcement of the funeral will be made later.”

The two surviving sons of George Penrice Farmer spent most of their lives working at Pratt & Farmer and the other businesses their father was involved with. The eldest, William Henry Farmer was born c1870 in Philadelphia. At age 28 he traveled to Detroit, Michigan where he married Grace Eliza Grenell who was from Chicago, Illinois. The couple returned to Montclair where they spent the remainder of their lives with George consistently listed as an importer, importer of safety pins, merchant manufacturing notions or a proprietor in the notions trade. William and Grace had 5 children: Winnefred, Lois B., Burt Grenell, Grace Colllyn and Ruth Cornwall. Grace died in 1935 at age 65 and George died 12 years later in 1942 at age 72. Both were buried at the Rosedale Cemetery. William and Grace’s only son, Burt Grenell Farmer, was born in 1902 in Montclair. Burt married Molly Malchow in Minnesota in 1931 and returned to Montclair where they spent the rest of their lives. Burt and Molly had two children: Burt George and Sue. Burt became the president of Pratt & Farmer after his father’s death in 1942 and remained in that position until his death in 1975 at age 72. Burt’s wife Molly died in 1989 at age 88. The obituaries of William and his son Burt are listed below.

1942[46] Obituary: William H. Farmer

“Funeral services for William Henry Farmer, 72, of 20 Old Quarry Road, Upper Montclair, who died Saturday at his home following a heart attack, were held Tuesday afternoon at the Home for Services, 56 park Street. The Rev. Dr. Morgan P. Noyes, pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, officiated. Interment was private.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Farmer was president of Pratt & Farmer, wholesale distributors and importers of notions. He was known as the dean of the notion industry, and was sought after as a consultant in this line. His firm celebrated its 105^th anniversary a short time ago. Mr. Farmer had been head of the firm since the death of his father in 1900, and had been with the company for the last fifty-four years.

Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. H. A. Kemp of Portuguese West Africa; Mrs. G. E. Dean and Mrs. W. I. Lincoln Adams Jr., of Montclair and Mrs. C. S. Ringland of Schenectady, N.Y., and a sister Mrs. John Y. Robbins of Montclair.”

1975[47] Obituary: B. G. Farmer Was Executive

“A Memorial Service for Burt Grenell Farmer of South Mountain Ave. will be held today at 12 Noon at Central Presbyterian Church. Mr. Famer died Monday. He was 72.

Born in Montclair, Mr. Grenell was the president and owner of Pratt & Farmer Corporation of Fairfield. The family business has been in operation since 1837. A graduation of Mount Hermon School and Peddie School, he was a trustee and treasurer of the Notions Round Table of New York City. An air raid warden during wartime, Mr. Farmer was a member of the Montclair Historical Society and the National Notions Association of New York City. In addition, he was a Boy Scout Leader for the Bradford School Troop, a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and a member of the board of directors of the Flamingo Products Corporation of Danville, Ill.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Molly D. Farmer; a daughter, Mrs. Sue Partridge of East Orange; a son Burt Farmer Jr. of Short Hills; four sisters, Mrs. Alexander Kemp of Chautauqua, N.Y., Mrs. Robert Ringland of Burlington, Iowa, and Mrs. G. Edgar Dean and Mrs. Lincoln Adams, both of Montclair and one grandchild.”

The youngest son of George Penrice Farmer was Edward Damai Farmer who was born c1877 in Montclair, New Jersey. Edward married his first wife, Corinne King, in 1903 in neighboring Bloomfield, New Jersey. Unfortunately, Corinne died in 1906 at age 24. Edward married his second wife, Helen Hart, four years later in 1910. The couple spent their entire life living in Montclair and had 2 children: Annette Hart and Helen Joy. Edward was consistently listed as a pin manufacturer, safety pin employer, manufacturer of metal goods and a brass manager and was the treasurer and a director at the Pratt & Farmer business for a number of years. In 1929 the family traveled to Italy most likely for a vacation. Within two months of their return Helen died in Montclair at age 43 and was buried at the Rosedale cemetery. After his wife’s death Edward continued to live in Montclair but in 1940 was visiting his daughter Annette and her family in neighboring Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Edward died in 1941 at age 64 in Montclair and was buried at Rosedale. His obituary is listed below.

1941[48] Obituary: Services Are Held For E. D. Farmer

Businessman and Banker Dies Suddenly Saturday.

“Services for Edward Damai Farmer, vice president of Glen Ridge Trust Co., who died suddenly at his home, 197 Inwood Avenue, on Saturday, were held yesterday at the Home for Services, 56 Park Street. The Rev. Elwood Erickson of Montclair officiated.

Mr. Farmer was ill last Winter but recovered sufficiently to permit him to renew his activities in his various business enterprises.

Mr. Farmer was born in Montclair in 1877 and lived here most of his life. He had been affiliated with the Glen Ridge bank since its organization. He was also president of the G. P. Farmer Coal & Supply Co., Asbury Park; treasurer of the Pratt & Farmer Co., of New York a wholesale notion house; president of the former Jenkins manufacturing Co. of Bloomfield; director of the Essex Title Guaranty & Trust Co. of Montclair; director of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Montclair, and lately a partner of the Caldwell real estate firm of Ori, Inc.

Mr. Farmer’s wife, the former Miss Helen H. Hart, died in 1929. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. George D. Smith Jr., of Montclair and Mrs. Donald Vines Turnbull of Lewiston, N. Y.; a brother, William H. Farmer, and a sister, Mrs. Helena P. Robbins, both of Montclair, and six grandchildren.”

Pratt & Farmer: Images

The Athena Golden needle case (S=Bunny Gorfinkle).

The Butterfly Box - Oval Tub needle case.

The Florence needle case.

Bottom front with the Pratt & Farmer name (S= Kirsten Nørgaard).

Bottom with the Pratt & Farmer name (S=Patricia Caras).

Center with the Pratt & Farmer name (S= eBay).

Hedgehog Needle and Pin Case.

Stella Golden needle case.

Universal Pin Case.

Interior top with the Pratt & Farmer name.

Bottom front with the Pratt & Farmer name.

Bottom with the Pratt & Farmer name (S=David Chatterley).

Pratt & Farmer Shops in New York City

29 Mercer Street, New York, NY, 2025.

77 Franklin Street, New York, NY, 2025.

33 Thomas Street, New York, NY, 2025. This is approximately where 27 Thomas Street was originally located which is now a modern building, 2025

353 Broadway, New York. NY, 2025( S=Google Maps).

353 Broadway, New York. NY, 2025 (S=Google Maps).

Pratt Brothers & Farmer shop in Birmingham, UK

View of 60 Frederick Street (the west side of the street) in the Jewelry Quarter where the Pen Museum and several other businesses are currently located, 2025. In 1873 a Pratt Brothers & Farmer business was located at 62 Frederick Street which may have been this building or the one on the east side of Frederick Street seen below. Currently on the south side of these buildings Frederick Street becomes Newhall Hill and Legge Lane becomes Graham Street making it difficult to know exactly where the Pratt Brothers & Farmer business was located. In 1868 the Pratt Brothers & Farmer business was listed as at 29 Graham Street which was most likely near the building below on the right.

Building on the northwest side of Frederick Street and Legge Lane, 2025.

Building on the northeast side of Frederick Street and Graham Street, 2025.

Pratt & Farmer shop in Birmingham, UK

Intersection of Dale End and Albert Street where Pratt & Farmer had another shop in Birmingham during the Victorian Period, 2025. Unfortunately, this area of downtown Birmingham has been modernized and there is currently a lot of buildings being demolished and replaced with modern ones.

This is the only old building in the area which is at the corner of Dale End and New Albert Street, 2025. The Pratt & Farmer business may have been similar to this.

Another view of the old building on the corner of Dale End and New Albert Street, 2025.

Albert Street sign, 2025.

Modern buildings on the northwest side of Dale End after the intersection with Albert Street, 2025.

View of the old building from the south at the intersection of Dale End and New Albert Street, 2025

Buildings being demolished near Dale End and Albert Street, 2025.

More modern buildings in the area, 2025.

Left to right: Richard Gloger, Jo-Ann Gloger (who both live in Redditch) and Terry Meinke at the Boot Inn restaurant in Studley, 2025. A special thank you goes to Jo-Ann and Richard for examining records with Terry at the Forge Mill Needle Museum archives regarding the companies from the area that Terry was researching. Jo-Ann found a record from 1901 regarding the Pratt & Farmer company seal being affixed to an agreement for the sale of needles and goods in the United States and Canada.

Pratt & Farmer: Genealogy

Pratt Generation 1: James Erasmus Pratt (c1787-1865) and Ann Haywood (c1792-1860)

· Born: c1787 (S1c) and (S4).

· Baptized: May 13, 1787 Shipton Under Wychwood, Oxfordshire (S1c). Listed as James Erasmus son of Thomas Pratt of Lineham.

· Marriage: not found. The actual gravestone of James Erasmus Pratt listed his wife as Ann, daughter of John and Sarah Haywood who died on July 1, 1860 (S7).

· 1828 Directory of Warwickshire, page 763 (S=ancestry.com). Listed as James Erasmus Pratt a linen and woolen draper of High Street, Alcester.

· 1835 Directory of Warwickshire, page 495 (S=ancestry.com). Listed as James Erasmus Pratt a linen and woolen draper of High Street, Alcester.

· 1841 Census: High Street, Alcester, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as James Pratt age 50 a draper not born in the county with Ann age 45 born in the county and 6 children all born in the county: Ann, Sarah, Willm H., Catherine, Wilson and Maria and Thomas Pratt age 40 not born in the county and 1 servant.

· 1851 Census: 1 Priory Street, Alcester, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as James Erasmus Pratt age 63 a retired draper born in Lineham, Oxon with wife Anne age 59 born in Salford and 3 children all born in Alcester: Anne, Sarah and Maria and 1 brother: Thomas Newman Pratt age 56 unmarried an assistant draper born in Lineham, Oxon and 1 servant.

· Wife’s Death: July 1, 1860 Bidford, Alcester (S8d), listed as Ann Pratt age 69 the wife of James Erasmus Pratt a retired draper who died at Salford of dilatation of the left auricle of the heart. July 1, 1860 (S7).

· Wife’s Burial: July 7, 1860 Salford Priors, Warwickshire (S7). Listed as Ann Pratt age 69 who resided in Salford.

· Wife’s Probate: not found.

· 1861 Census: 7 Private House, Salford Priors, Alcester, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as James E. Pratt age 73 a widow and a retired draper born in Lineham, Oxfordshire with 2 children both born in Alcester: Ann and Maria, 2 grandchildren both born in America: Mary S. and Rowland H. and 1 brother Thomas N. Pratt age 67 unmarried a retired draper born in Lineham, Oxfordshire and 1 servant.

· Death: May 1, 1865 Bidford, Alcester (S8d), listed as James Erasmus Pratt age 77 a retired draper who died at Salford of melancholia. May 1, 1865 Salford Priors (S6).

· Burial: St, Matthews Churchyard, Salford Priors, Warwickshire (S7). Listed as James Erasmus Pratt age 77 which also lists his wife as Ann, daughter of John and Sarah Haywood who died July 1, 1860 aged 69 years.

· Probate: February 26, 1866 Birmingham (S6). Listed as James Erasmus Pratt late of Salford Priors, Warwick County a gentleman with effects under £450 proved by the oath of Anne Pratt of Salford Priors a spinster and daughter.

· Children:

1. Erasmus Crake Pratt (1812-1876). See Pratt Generation 2.

2. Ann Pratt (c1818-??). 1841 and 1851 Censuses with parents (S4): listed in 1841 as Ann Pratt age 21 born in the county and in 1851 as Anne Pratt age 33 unmarried born in Alcester. 1861 Census: with father (S4), listed as Anne Pratte age 43 unmarried a housekeeper born in Alcester.

3. Sarah Pratt (c1820-??). 1841 and 1851 Censuses with parents (S4): listed in 1841 as Sarah Pratt age 20 born in the county and in 1851 as Sarah Pratt age 31 unmarried born in Alcester.

4. John Humphrey Pratt (1824-1890). See Pratt Generation 2.

5. William H. Pratt (c1826-??). 1841 Census with parents (S4): listed as Willm H. Pratt age 15 born in the county.

6. Catherine Pratt (c1832-??). 1841 Census with parents (S4): listed as Catherine Pratt age 9 born in the county.

7. Marshall Pratt (1830-1882). Born: January 7, 1830 (S1c). Baptized: January 13, 1831 Alcester, Warwickshire (S1c), listed as Marshall son of James Erasmus and Ann Pratt who resided in Alcester with father’s occupation listed as mercer. 1851 UK Census: 41 New St, St. Philip, Birmingham (S4), listed as Marshall Pratt age 21 a woolen drapers assistant born in Alcester living with the Holroyd family. 1860 US Census: 400 Philadelphia, Ward 10 East District (S4), listed as Marshall Pratt age 27 a clerk born in England living with a group of 32 people. 1863 Civil War Draft: 24 Wards of Philadelphia (S=US, Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865), listed as Marshall Pratt age 32 single a merchant born in England (Note: he is listed next to his brother John H. Pratt). 1863 Pennsylvania Census: Philadelphia Ward 20 (S=Pennsylvania, US Septennial Census, 1779-1863 available at ancestry.com), listed as Marshall Pratt a salesman living next to Erasmus C. Pratt an importer and John H. Pratt an importer. 1870 US Census: 1105 Chestnut St, Philadelphia Ward 9 District 26, Philadelphia (S4), listed as Marshall Pratt age 40 living with Wilson and Lillie Pratt (Note: he does not appear on the census index). 1880 US Census: 1918 Seventeenth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4), listed as Marshall M. Pratt age 50 a travel agent and brother born in England with both parents born in England living with the Watson Pratt family (Note: the brother’s forename appears to be a census taker error and is most likely Wilson as his wife is listed as Lilly which matches the 1870 census). Death: June 18, 1882 Philadelphia (S6) and (S=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, Death Certificates Index, 1803-1915), listed as Marshall Pratt age 52. Burial: Woodlands Cemetery, Philadelphia (S7), listed as Marshall M. Pratt who died June 18, 1882 Philadelphia. Probate: December 29, 1882 Principal Registry, UK (S6), listed as Marshall Pratt late of Birmingham, Warwick County an American Merchant with personal estate £34 proved by his sisters Maria Pratt a spinster and Catherine Chamberlain Freeman a widow both of Leamington Priors (Note: the probate index incorrectly lists his death as in Warwickshire, UK).

8. Wilson Pratt (c1833-??). 1841 Census with parents (S4): listed as Wilson Pratt age 8 born in the county.

9. Maria Pratt (c1835-??). 1841 and 1851 Censuses with parents (S4): listed as Maria Pratt age 6 born in the county and in 1851 as Maria Pratt age 16 a scholar born in Alcester. 1861 Census: with father (S4), listed as Maria Pratt age 26 unmarried a governess born in Alcester.

Pratt Generation 2: Erasmus Crake Pratt (1812-1876) and Sophia Parry (c1814-1857) and Lydia Storey Gidding (c1827-1886).

· Born: c1812 (S1c) and (S4).

· Baptized: December 2, 1812 Alcester, Warwickshire (S1c). Listed as Erasmus Crake son of James Erasmus and Ann Pratt.

· Passenger Arrival: February 18, 1839 New York from Bristol, UK on the Great Western ship (S=New York, US, Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1820-1957 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Mr. E. C. Pratt age 26 a merchant from Great Britain.

· 1840 US Census: not found.

· First Marriage: July 19, 1845 Pennsylvania (S=Pennsylvania, U.S., Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Church Records, 1759-1970 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Erasmus C. Pratt and Sophia Parry.

· 1850 US Census: #1355 Moyamensing Ward 2, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as Erasmus C. Pratt age 38 a merchant born in England with wife Sophia age 36 born in Pennsylvania and 3 children all born in Pennsylvania: Roland, Mary and Frederick and 2 others born in Ireland living with Roland Parry age 42 and Thomas Parry age 36 both born in Pennsylvania.

· First Wife’s Death: February 13 1857 (S7).

· First Wife’s Burial: 1857 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S7). Listed as Sophia Parry Pratt age 43.

· First Wife’s Probate: not found.

· 1860 US Census: #1408 Philadelphia Ward 10, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as E. C. Pratt age 47 an importer born in England with his estate valued at $10,000 living with Rowland Parry age 53 and Tho. Parry age 44 both born in Pennsylvania.

· 1863 Pennsylvania Census: Philadelphia Ward 20 (S=Pennsylvania, US Septennial Census, 1779-1863 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Erasmus C. Pratt an importer living next to Marshall Pratt a salesman and John H. Pratt an importer.

· Second Marriage: not found. Lydia Storey Giddings (S=surname from a family tree on ancestry.com).

· 1871 Census: 1 Chesterfield Place, Edgbaston, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as Erasmus C. Pratt age 58 an America merchant born in Alcester with wife Lydia S. age 44 born in America and 1 daughter: Mary S. born in America, 1 niece: Virgina A. E. Pratt, a nephew: Erasmus C. Pratt and 1 servant. (Note: Virgina’s forename is incorrectly listed in the census index as Verprea).

· Death: February 13, 1876 Bidford, Alcester (S8d), listed as Erasmus Crake Pratt age 63 a retired hardware merchant who died at Salford of phthisis pulmonaria with his daughter Mary Pratt present at his death. February 13, 1876 Salford Priors (S6).

· Burial: February 18, 1876 St. Matthews Churchyard, Salford Priors Warwickshire (S7). Listed as Erasmus Crake Pratt age 63 of Salford.

· Probate: July 13, 1876 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Erasmus Crake Pratt formerly on Birmingham late of Salford Priors both in Warwick County an American merchant with effects under £14,000 proved by John Humphrey Pratt of Birmingham an American Merchant the brother.

· 1881 Wife’s Census: 41 Charlotte Road, Edgbaston, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as Lydia M. Pratt age 53 a annuitant born in Vermont living as a sister-in-law with her brother-in-law John Humphrey Pratt and his family.

· Second Wife’s Death: May 9, 1886 Godshill, Isle of Wight, Southhampton (S8d), listed as Lydia Storey Pratt age 62 the widow of Erasmus Crake Pratt a merchant who died at Ivor House, Victoria Street, Ventnor of cystic disease of ovary, chronic bronchitis and asthma. May 9, 1886 Ventnor, Isle of Wight (S6).

· Second Wife’s Burial: not found.

· Second Wife’s Probate: March 1, 1887 Birmingham (S6), listed as Lydia Storey Pratt late of 36 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Warwick, a widow with effects £2,908 under the limitations of John Humphrey Pratt of Leamington, Warwick County a gentleman the lawful attorney of Susan Baily Denison (wife of Henry Denison) sister and one of the next of kin now residing in the United States of America.

· Children:

1. Mary Sophia Pratt (1846-??). Born: April 25, 1846 (S1c). Baptized: January 22, 1860 Salford Priors, Warwickshire (S1c), listed as Maria Sophia daughter of Erasmus Crake and Sophia Pratt of Salford with father’s occupation listed as American merchant. 1850 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Mary Pratt age 5 born in Pennsylvania. 1861 Census: with grandfather (S4), listed as Mary S. Pratt age 14 a scholar born in America. 1871 Census with father (S4), listed as Mary S. Pratt age 24 single born in America.

2. Rowland Parry Pratt (1847-1866). Born: October 29, 1847 (S1c). Baptized: January 22, 1860 Salford Priors, Warwickshire (S1c), listed as Rowland Parry son of Erasmus Crake and Sophia Pratt of Salford with father’s occupation listed as American merchant. 1850 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Roland Pratt age 3 born in Pennsylvania. 1861 Census: with grandfather (S4), listed as Rowland H. Pratt age 13 a scholar born in America. Death: January 15, 1866 Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Death Certificates Index, 1803-1915), listed as Rowland P. Pratt age 18 who lived at 1618 North 15, Ward 20, Philadelphia with parents listed as Erasmus C. and Sophia P. Pratt.

3. James Frederick Pratt (1849-1850). (S=a family tree at ancestry.com).

Pratt Generation 2: John Humphrey Pratt (1824-1890) and Virginia Peters Harris (c1836-1868).

· Born: c1824 (S1c) and (S4).

· Baptized: April 9, 1824 Alcester, Warwickshire (S1c). Listed as James Humphrey son of James Erasmus and Ann Pratt of Alcester with father’s occupation listed as draper.

· 1841 Census: not found.

· Passenger Arrival: April 11, 1846 New York from Liverpool, UK on the Queen of the West ship (S=New York, US, Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1820-1957 available at ancestry.com). Listed as John H. Pratt age 22 a merchant from England. There are six additional times (1851, 1858, 1860, 1863, 1865 and 1866 available at ancestry.com) when a man named John Pratt with the same age and occupation is listed in passenger arrival lists, however there is no way to prove these are the same man. This could mean John Humphrey Pratt traveled back and forth to England numerous times possibly on business, however, there were 84 John Pratt’s living in the US in the 1850 Census so these could be other people.

· 1850 US Census: not found.

· Marriage: September 28, 1858 St. Philips Protestant Episcopal, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S=Pennsylvania and New Jersey, US Church and Town Records, 1669-2013 available at ancestry.com). Listed as John Humprey Pratt and Virginia Peters Harris both with residences in Philadelphia.

· 1860 US Census: 1083 Philadelphia Ward 3, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as John H. Pratt age 35 an importer born in England with wife Virginia H. age 23 born in Philadelphia and Mary MacMenamin born in Ireland.

· 1863 Civil War Draft: 24 Wards of Philadelphia (S=US, Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865), listed as John H. Pratt age 34 a married merchant born in England (Note: he is listed next to his brother Marshall Pratt).

· 1863 Pennsylvania Census: Philadelphia Ward 20 (S=Pennsylvania, US Septennial Census, 1779-1863 available at ancestry.com). Listed as John H. Pratt an importer living next to Erasmus C. Pratt an importer and Marshall Pratt a salesman.

· Wife’s Death: January 11, 1868 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Death Certificates Index, 1803-1915 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Virginia P. Pratt age 32 who resided at 1604 Master Street, Philadelphia who was born in Philadelphia about 1836.

· Wife’s Burial: Woodlands Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S7). Listed as Virginia Peters Pratt who was born December 7, 1835 and died in January 1868.

· Wife’s Probate: not found.

· 1870 US Census: #16053 Brooklyn Ward 11, Kings, New York (S4). Listed as John H. Pratt age 45 an importer of fancy goods born in England with a personal estate valued at £20,000 living in the Edwd R. Champman household.

· 1881 Census: 41 Charlotte Road, Edgbaston, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as John H. Pratt age 57 a widow and an America merchant born in Alcester with 4 children born in Philadelphia or Brooklyn, New York: Sarah, Ann E. V., John H. and Erasmus C. and 1 sister-in-law: Lydia M. Pratt born in Vermont and 2 servants.

· Death: April 18, 1890 Leamington, Warwick (S8d), listed as John Humphrey Pratt age 66 of independent means who died at 38 Charlotte Street, Leamington of chronic brights disease with his son Erasmus C. Pratt of Nilson Road, West Kensington, present at his death. April 18, 1890 Leamington (S6).

· Burial: St. Matthews Churchyard, Salford Priors, Warwickshire (S7). Listed as John Humphrey Pratt who was born in 1824 and died on April 18, 1890.

· Obituary: April 21, 1890 New York Newspaper (S=New York, U. S., Death Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1890 (Barber Collection). Listed as John H. Pratt of Pratt & Farmer who died in Leamington, England.

· Probate: July 12, 1890 Birmingham (S6). Listed as John Humphrey Pratt late of Leamington, Warwick County an America merchant with a personal estate of £1,838 proved by John Humphrey Pratt of 38 Charlotte Street, Leamington an American merchant and Erasmus Crake Pratt of 8 Edmund Place, Aldergate Street, London a merchant’s traveler, the sons.

· Children:

1. Sarah Haywood Pratt (1860-??). Born: May 29, 1860 (S1c). Baptized: February 14, 1871 Shorthampton, Oxfordshire (S1c), listed as Sarah Haywood daughter of John Humphrey Pratt and Virginia Peters Pratt (deceased) with father’s occupation listed as New York merchant. 1881 Census: with father (S4), listed as Sarah Pratt age 20 a housekeeper born in Philadelphia. (S=middle name from a family tree at ancestry.com)

2. Agnes Pratt (1861-??). Born: June 2, 1861 (S1c). Baptized: February 14, 1871 Shorthampton, Oxfordshire (S1c), listed as Agnes daughter of John Humphrey Pratt and Virginia Peters Pratt (deceased) with father’s occupation listed as New York merchant.

3. Anne Eliza Virginia Pratt (1864-??). Born: May 19, 1864 (S1c). 1871 Census: with uncle Erasmus C. Pratt (S4), listed as Virginia A. E. Pratt age 16 a niece and scholar born in America (Note: Virgina’s forename is incorrectly listed in the census index as Verprea). Baptized: September 15, 1872 Salford Priors, Warwickshire (S1c), listed as Anne Eliza Virginia daughter of John Humphrey and Virginia Peters Pratt of Balsall Heath, Worcestershire a merchant, 1881 Census: with father (S4), listed as Ann E. V. Pratt age 16 a scholar born in Philadelphia.

4. John Humphrey Pratt (1865-1949). Born: November 11, 1865 (S1c), Brooklyn, NY (S4). Baptized: February 14, 1871 Shorthampton, Oxfordshire, (S1c), listed as John Humphrey son of John Humphrey Pratt and Virginia Peters Pratt (deceased) with father’s occupation listed as New York merchant. 1871 Census: Oversley, Alcester, Warwickshire: listed as John H. Pratt age 5 born in Books, United States living as a visitor with Ann Pratt age 52 and Maria Pratt age 36 both annuitants born in Alcester living with the Charles H. Haywood family Note: the surname is listed incorrectly as Prall in the census index). 1881 Census: with father (S4), listed as John H. Pratt age 15 a scholar born in Brooklyn, NY. 1890 US Census not found., 1893 Marriage: June 14, 1893 Manhattan, NY, listed as John H. Pratt and Katherine Rogers. 1900: #103 at West Twenty Fifth Street, Manhattan listed as John H Pratt a lodger born November 1865 age 34 a widow born in New York, a bookkeeper whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania. 1910 US Census: #535 Manhattan Ward 12, New York (S4), listed as John H. Pratt age 44 a widow and secretary to a playing card factory born in New York whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania living with his son John H. Pratt Jr age 15 born in New York (Note: the surname is incorrectly listed in the census index as Graff). 1920, 1930 and 1940 US Censuses not found. US Passport: July 16, 1923 for John H. Pratt who was born November 11, 1865 in Brooklyn, NY whose father John H. Pratt, who was born in England and who died April 18, 1890, emigrated from Liverpool in 1842 and resided uninterrupted for 30 years from 1842-1872 in New York city and Philadelphia. Obituary: The Daily Item (Port Chester, New York) newspaper dated June 14, 1949, page 11, 1isted as John Humphrey Pratt born November 11, 1864 son of the late John H. Pratt. Burial: New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut (S7), listed as John Humphrey Pratt Sr who was born November 11, 1865 in Kings County, New York who died June 13, 1949 in Darien Fairfield, Connecticut.

5. Erasmus Crake Pratt (1867-1926). Born: August 15, 1867 (S1c). Baptized: January 14, 1872 Salford Priors, Warwickshire (S1c), listed as Erasmus Crake son of John Humphrey and Virginia Peters Pratt with father’s occupation listed as merchant from Philadelphia. 1871 Census: with uncle Erasmus C. Pratt (S4), listed as Erasmus C. Pratt age 3 a nephew born in America. 1881 Census: with father (S4), listed as Erasmus C. Pratt age 13 a scholar born in Philadelphia, PA. 1891 Census: #30 Estcourt Road, Battersea, London (S4), listed as Erasmus C. Pratt a boarder age 23 and commercial traveler employed born in Philadelphia living with the Frederick W. Foord family. 1901 Census: 16 Cambridge Rd, East Sussex (S4), listed as Erasmus C. Pratt married age 33 a commission agent on own account born in Philadelphia, America living with a daughter and step-son and 1 servant. 1911 Census: not found. Death: October 17, 1926 North West Camberwell, Camberwell, London (S8d), listed as Erasmus Crake Pratt age 58 of 3 Cambridge Road Eastbourne, Sussex a bookmaker who died at Camberwell House of cancer of the pancreas and myocarditis with syncope; October 17, 1926 (S6). Probate: December 13, 1926 Lewes (S6), listed as Erasmus Crake Pratt of Camberwell House, Peckham Road, London with effects of £11,050 to Fred Lawson Lewis a solicitor.

Farmer Generation 1: Robert Farmer (c1801-1864) and Anne Penrice (c1801-1884)

· Born: c1801 (S1d).

· Baptized: not found.

· Marriage: November 9, 1824 Feckenham, Worcestershire (S5c). Listed as Robert Farmer and Anne Penrice. (Note: the marriage index incorrectly lists the wife’s surname as Wenrice).

· 1840 US Census: not found.

· 1850 US Census: #353 Upper Delaware Ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as Robt Farmer age 49 a tailor born in England with wife Ann age 49 born in England and 3 children all born in England: Elizabeth, Martha and George. (Note: the census index incorrectly lists the father’s forename as Bolt).

· 1860 US Census: 1444 15th Ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as Robert Farmer age 60 a tailor born in England with wife Ann age 60 born in England and 2 children born in England: Martha and George.

· Death: January 1, 1864 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S= Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, Death Certificates, 1803-1915 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Robert Farmer age 63 married a tailor who resided at 1513 Ridge Avenue who died on January 1, 1864 and was buried at Monument Cemetery on January 5, 1864.

· Burial: Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (S7). Listed as Robert Farmer who was born in 1800 and died in Philadelphia on January 1, 1864.

· Probate: not found.

· 1870 US Census: 499 Ward 15, District 45 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as Ann Farmer age 70 born in England keeping house with value of real estate $1,000 and personal estate $200 with 1 daughter born in England: Martha.

· 1880 US Census: 1515 Ridge Avenue East Side, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as Ann Farmer age 79 born in England keeping house with 1 daughter born in England: Martha age 49.

· Wife’s Death: September 2, 1884 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, Death Certificates, 1803-1915 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Ann Farmer age 84 who died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

· Wife’s Burial: Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (S7). Listed as Ann Farmer who was born in 1801 and died in Philadelphia on September 3, 1884.

· Wife’s Probate: not found.

· Children:

1. Elizabeth Farmer (c1828-??). 1850 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Elizabeth Farmer age 22 born in England.

2. Martha Farmer (c1832-??). 1850 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Martha Farmer age 18 born in England. 1860 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Martha Farmer age 22 born in England. 1870 Census: with mother (S4), listed as Martha Farmer age 38 a fishing line maker born in England. 1880 Census: with mother (S4), listed as Martha Farmer age 49 born in England.

3. George Penrice Farmer (c1836-1900). See Farmer Generation 2.

Farmer Generation 2: George Penrice Farmer (c1836-1900) and Helena Eliza Damai (c1838-1910)

· Born: c1836 (S1c) and (US Passport application).

· Baptized: May 8, 1836 Astwood, Worcestershire (S1c). Listed as George Penrice son of Robert Farmer and Ann his wife of Astwood.

· 1840 US Census: not found.

· 1850 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as George Farmer age 12 born in England.

· 1860 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as George Farmer age 23 a salesman born in England.

· Marriage: c1862 (S=1900 US Census). According to the son William H. Farmer’s 1889 marriage record, his mother’s name was Helena Damai.

· 1870 US Census: #597 Ward 12, District 36, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S4). Listed as George Farmer age 34 a hdwr importer with the value of his personal estate $20,000 born in England with wife Helen age 30 keeps house born in Penn, 3 children all born in Penn: Annie, George and William and 2 others both born in New Jersey: Eliza Demar age 62 and Amy Weaver age 56.

· US Passport Application: April 13, 1872 (S=US, Passport Applications, 1795-1925 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Geo. P. Farmer who was born in England May 8, 1836. (Note: the passport index incorrectly lists the birth year as 1826).

· 1875 New York Census: #330 Frame No. 48, 8th Election District, Brooklyn, Kings, New York (S4). Listed as George Farmer age 38 an importer born in England with value of home $14,000 with wife Helen age 35 born in Penn and 3 children all born in Penn: Annie, George and William, 1 aunt: Annie Weaver age 61 born in New Jerrsey and 1 servant.

· 1880 US Census: #273 Mont Clair, Essex, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Geo. P. Farmer age 43 a notion importer born in England whose parents were both born in England with wife Helene age 40 a keep h. born in Penn whose father was born in Mass. and mother in NJ with 4 children born in Pennsylvania or New Jersey: Annie E., Geo. E, Wm H., Edwd D. and a mother-in-law: Amy T. Weaver age 67 born NJ whose parents were both born in NJ and 3 servants.

· Passenger Arrivals: January 2, 1884 departed from Liverpool and arrived in New York on the ship Gallia (New York, US, Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1820-1957 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Geo. P. Farmer age 48 a merchant from America.

· 1890 US Census: not found.

· 1894 History of Montclair Township State of New Jersey by Henry Whittemore, page 262-264 (S=www.books.google.com). Listed George Penrice Farmer who was born May 8, 1836, came to US with parents at age 3, joined E. C. Pratt, Bro. & Co and became a partner in 1865, later the company name changed to Pratt and Farmer, moved to New York in 1870 and lived in Brooklyn for 6 years, moved to Montclair and then purchased a house in 1880.

· 1900 US Census: #267 Montclair Ward 4, Essex, New Jersey (S4). Listed as George P. Farmer age 64 born May 1836 married 38 years with 5 children 4 still living born in England with both parents born in England who immigrated to the USA in 1839 and lived in the US for 60 years and was naturalized a pin manufacturer with wife Helen C. born September 1839 age 60 born in Penn whose father was born in Massachusetts and mother in NJ with 4 children all born in Penn or New Jersey: Annie E., Geo. E, Edward D. and Helen C. and 2 servants. This family was living next door to their son William Farmer and his family.

· Death: December 31, 1900 Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey (S7).

· Burial: Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey (S7). Listed as George Penrice Farmer who was born May 8, 1836 who died December 31, 1900 in Montclair, New Jersey.

· Obituary: Asbury Park Press newspaper from Asbury, New Jersey dated December 21, 1900, page 1 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current). Listed as George P. Farmer president of Pratt & Farmer.

· Probate: June 28, 1901 Kings, New York (S6). Listed as George Penrice Farmer of Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey. Mentions Consolidated Safety Pin Company, wife Helena E Farmer, sister Martha Farmer of Philadelphia, daughter Annie E. Farmer, son William H. Farmer, daughter Helena E. D. Farmer, son Edward D. Farmer

· 1905 New Jersey Census: #267 Orange Rd, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Helene E. Farmer a widow born September 1841 age 63 born in Pennsylvania whose parents were born in Pennsylvania with 4 children all born in Pennsylvania or New Jersey: Anna E., Edward D., Corinne and Helene E. D. and 2 servants.

· 1910 US Census: #10 Madison Avenue, Montclair Ward 4, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Helena E. Farmer a widow age 65 born in Pennsylvania whose father was born in Massachusetts and mother in New Jersy who had 5 children 4 still living with 2 children both born in Pennsylvania or New Jersey: Anna E. and Helen E and 2 servants. This family was living next door to Edward Farmer and his family and a few houses away from William H, Farmer and his family.

· Wife’s Death: September 17, 1910 (S7).

· Wife’s Burial: Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey (S7). Listed as Helena Eliza Farmer who was born September 18, 1838 in Philadelphia who died September 17, 1910 in New Jersey.

· Wife’s Probate: not found.

· Wife’s Obituary: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper dated September 18, 1910 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current). Listed as Helena Damai of 10 Madison Ave, Montclair, NJ, the widow of George P. Farmer who died after a short illness on September 19, 1910.

· Children:

1. Annie E. Farmer (c1863-??). 1870 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Annie Farmer age 6 born in Penn. 1875 New York Census: with parents (S4), listed as Annie Farmer age 11 born in Penn. 1880 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Annie E. Farmer age 17 born in Penn. 1900 Census (with parents (S4), listed as Annie E. Farmer age 36 born in Penn. 1905 New Jersey Census: with mother, listed as Anna E. age 42 born in Penn. 1910 Census with mother (S4), listed as Annie E. Farmer age 40 born in Penn.

2. George E. Farmer (c1865-1900). 1870 Census: with parents (S4), listed as George Farmer age 4 born in Penn. 1875 New York Census: with parents (S4), listed as George Famer age 9. 1880 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Geo. E. Farmer age 15 born in Penn. 1900 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Geo. C. Farmer age 34 born in Penn. Obituary: The Montclair Daily Times newspaper dated March 17, 1900, page 3, column 3 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current), listed as George E. Farmer age 35 who died in California.

3. William Henry Farmer (c1870-1942). See Farmer Generation 3.

4. Edward Damai Farmer (c1877-1941). See Farmer Generation 3.

5. Helena Elizabeth Damai Farmer (c1882-??). 1900 Census (with parents (S4), listed as Helen E. Farmer age 18 born in Penn. 1905 New Jersey Census: with mother, listed as Helen E. D. Farmer age 22 born in New Jersey. 1910 Census with mother (S4), listed as Helen E. Farmer age 35 born in New Jersey (Note: the census index incorrectly lists her age as 65).

Farmer Generation 3: William Henry Farmer (c1870-1942) and Grace Eliza Grenell (c1870-1935)

· Born: c1870 (S4).

· Baptized: not found.

· 1870 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as William Farmer age 2 months born in Penn.

· 1875 New York Census: with parents (S4). Listed as William Farmer 5 born in Penn.

· 1880 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Wm. H. Farmer age 10 born in Penn.

· 1890 US Census: not found.

· Marriage: September 20, 1898 Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan (S5m). Listed as William H. Farmer age 28 of Montclair, NJ who was born in Pennsylvania a salesman whose father was Geo. P. Farmer and whose mother was Helena Damai and Grace E. Grenell age 27 of Chicago, IL who was born in New York whose father was J. Grenell and whose mother was Inez A. Burlington. (Note: the marriage index incorrectly lists his surname as Farma and his mother’s maiden name as Damar).

· 1900 US Census: 10 Draper, Montclair Ward 4, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as William Famer who was born May 1870 age 30 born in Penn whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania an importer with wife Grace age 29 born in 1870 in New York whose parents were born in New York and 1 child: Winnifred G. age 7 months born in New Jersey and 1 servant. This family was living next door to George and Helen Farmer, his parents.

· 1905 New Jersey Census: #8 Draper, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as William Farmer who was born May 1870 age 35 born in Penn whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania an importer with wife Grace G. age 34 born in December 1870 in New York with both parents born in New York and 3 children: Winnifred G., Louis B /and George B .and 2 servants. (Note: the census index incorrectly lists Grace’s age as 35).

· 1910 US Census: 8 Draper Terrace, Montclair Ward 4, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as William H. Famer age 39 married 11 years with 5 children all still living born in Penn whose father was born in England and his mother in New Jersey an importer safety pins employer with wife Grace G. age 38 born in New York with both parents born in New York and 5 children: Winnifred G., Lois B., Burt G, Grace C. and Ruth C and 2 servants. This family was living a few blocks from his mother and brother Edward D. Farmer.

· Passenger Arrivals: September 8, 1912 from Glasgow, Scotland to New York on the ship named Cameronia (New York, US, Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1820-1957 available at ancestry.com). Listed as William H. Farmer age 42 who was born May 6, 1870 in Philadelphia who resided as 8 Draper Terr, Montclair.

· 1915-16 Directory of Directors in the City of New York by Directory of Directors Company, page 210 (www.books.google,com). Listed as William H. Farmer president and director of Pratt and Farmer Co.

· US Passport Application: August 21, 1918 (S=US, Passport Applications, 1795-1925 available at ancestry.com). Listed as William H. Farmer who was born in Philadelphia May 6, 1870 whose father was George P. Farmer who immigrate about 1839 from Liverpool and resided for 60 years from 1839-1900 in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, New York and Montclair, New Jersey.

· 1920 US Census: 8 Draper Terrace, Montclair Ward 4, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as William H. Farmer age 48 married born in Penn whose father was born in England and mother in Pennsylvania a merchant manufacturing notions with wife Grace G. age 47 born in New York with both parents born in New York and 5 children: Winnifred, Lois, Burt, Grace and Ruth and 2 servants.

· 1930 US Census: 8 Draper Terrace, Montclair Ward 4, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as William H. Farmer age 59 married at age 28 whose home was valued at $15, 000 born in Penn whose father was born in England and mother in Pennsylvania a proprietor in the notions trade with wife Grace G. age 59 who married at age 27 born in New York with both parents born in New York and 3 children: Burt M., Grace C. and Ruth C. and 1 servant and 2 boarders.

· Wife’s Death: December 22, 1935 (S7).

· Wife’s Burial: Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, New Jersey (S7). Listed as Grace Farmer who was born December 7, 1870 in New York and died in New York.

· Wife’s Probate: not found.

· 1940 US Census: 8 Draper Terrace, Montclair Ward 4, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as William Famer age 70 a widow born in Pennsylvania an importer and exported industry customs house living with Lincoln W. I Adams son-in-law age 39 and daughter Grace Adams age 33 and Robert Ringland another son-in-law age 31 and daughter Ruth Ringland age 31 and a grandson Robert Ringland age 3 and a granddaughter Carolyn Adams age 1.

· Death: October 10, 1942 (S7).

· Burial: Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey (S7). Listed as William Henry Farmer who was born May 6, 1870 in Philadelphia who died on October 10, 1942.

· Probate: not found.

· Obituary: The Montclair Times (Montclair, New Jersey) newspaper dated October 15, 1942, page 6 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current). Listed as William H. Farmer president of Pratt & Farmer.

· Children:

1. Winnefred Farmer (c1899-??). 1900, 1905, 1910 and 1920 Censuses (S4), always listed as Winnifred G. or Milfred Farmer born in New Jersey ages 7 months, 5, 10 and 20.

2. Lois B. Farmer (c1901-??). 1905, 1910 and 1920 Censuses (S4): always listed as Louis or Lois Farmer born in New Jersey ages 4, 9 and 18.

3. Burt Grenell Farmer (c1902-1975. See Farmer Generation 4.

4. Grace Collyn Farmer (c1907-??). 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 Censuses (S4), always listed as Grace C. Farmer born in New Jersey age 3, 13, 23 and 33

5. Ruth Cornwall Farmer (c1909-??). 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 Censuses, always listed as Ruth C. Farmer born in New Jersey ages 1/2, 11, 21and 31.

Farmer Generation 3: Edward Damai Farmer (c1877-1941) and Corinne King (c1882-1906) and Helen Hazel Hart (c1886-1929)

· Born: c1877 (S4),

· Baptized: not found.

· 1880 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Edwd D. Farmer age 3 born in New Jersey.

· 1890 US Census: not found.

· 1900 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Edward D. Farmer age 22 born October 1877 in New Jersey whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania a pin manufacturer.

· First Marriage: June 1903 Bloomfield listed in The Montclair Times newspaper dated June 6, 1903, page 5 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current). Listed as Corinne Holt and Edward Damai Farmer of Montclair.

· 1905 New Jersey Census: with mother (S4), listed as Edward D. Farmer age 27 born October 1877 in New Jersey with father born in England and mother born in Pennsylvania and Corinne Farmer age 22 born August 1882 in New Jersey with both parents born in New York.

· First Wife’s Death: June 21, 1906 listed in the Montclair Times newspaper dated June 23, 1906, page 1 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current). Listed as Corinne wife of Edward D. Farmer.

· First Wife’s Burial: not found.

· First Wife’s Probate: not found.

· Second Marriage: 1910 (New Jersey, US, Marriage Index, 1901-2016 available at ancestry.com). Listed as Edward Farmer and Helen Hart.

· 1910 US Census: #16 Draper Terr., Montclair Ward 4, Essex County, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Edward D. Farmer age 32 born in New Jersey whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania a manufacturer of safety pins employer with wife Helen H. age 24 born in New Jersey whose parents were both born in New Jersey and 1 servant. This family was living next door to his mother and only a few house away from his brother William H. Farmer.

· 1915 New Jersey Census: #16 Madison Ave, Montclair, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Edward D. Farmer age 32 born October 1877 in New Jersey whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania a manufacturer with wife Helen age 29 born January 1886 in New Jersey whose parents were both born in New Jersey and 2 children: Annette and Helen.

· 1915-16 Directory of Directors in the City of New York by Directory of Directors Company, page 210 (www.books.google,com). Listed as Edward D. Farmer treasurer and director of Pratt and Farmer Co.

· 1920 US Census: #16 Madison Ave, Montclair, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Edward D. Farmer age 42 born in New Jersey whose parents were both born in New Jersey a manufacturer on metal goods with wife Helen age 33 born in New Jersey whose parents were both born in New Jersey and 2 children: Annette H. and Helen Farmer and 1 servant.

· Passenger Arrival: September 17, 1929 from Naples, Italy to New York on the ship Augustus (New York, US, Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1820-1957 available at ancestry.com). Listed as E. D. Farmer married age 51 from Montclair, NY born on October 7, 1877 in New Jersey with Helen age 42 born January 23, 1887 in Montclair, NJ and Annette H. age 19 born November 10, 1910 and Toy age 15 born August 26, 1914.

· Second Wife’s Death: November 15, 1929 Montclair (S7).

· Second Wife’s Burial: Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersy (S7). Listed as Helen Hazel Farmer who was born January 23, 1886 in Jersey City and died November 15, 1929.

· Second Wife’s Probate: not found.

· 1930 US Census: 30 Warren Place, Montclair, Essex, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Edward D. Farmer a widow age 52 born in New Jersey with an estate values at $25,000 whose father was born in England and his mother in Pennsylvania a brass manager with 2 children: Annette H. and Helen Farmer and 1 servant.

· 1940 US Census: 17 Astor Place, Glen Ridge, Essex, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Edward D. Farmer age 60 a widow and father-in-law to the head of household George D. Smith age 28 and Annette F. Smith age 29 and their 3 children: Sandra, Peter E. and Richard L.

· Death: July 19, 1941 Montclair, New Jersey (S7).

· Burial: Rosedale Cemetery, Montclair, Essex County, New Jersy (S7). Listed as Edward Damai Farmer born October 2, 1877 in Montclair and died July 19, 1941 in Montclair.

· Probate: not found.

· Obituary: The Montclair Times newspaper date July 22, 1941 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current). Listed as Edward Damai Farmer born in 1877 in Montclair who died at 197 Inwood Ave who was treasurer at Pratt & Farmer.

· Children:

1. Annette Hart Farmer (c1910-??). 1915, 1920, 1930 Censuses: with parents (S4), always listed as Annette born in New Jersey ages 4, 9 and 19. 1940 Census: 17 Astor Place, Glen Ridge, Essex, New Jersey (S4), listed as George Smith age 28 and Annette F. Smith age 29 and their 3 children: Sandra, Peter E. and Richard L and her father Edward D. Farmer

2. Helen Joy Farmer (c1914-??). 1915, 1920, 1930 Censuses: with parents (S4), always listed as Helen born in New Jersey ages 10 months, 5 and 15.

Farmer Generation 4: Burt Grenell Farmer (1902-1975) and Molly (1900-1989)

· Born: November 21, 1902 Montclair (S4) and (S=WWII Draft Registration).

· Baptized: not found.

· 1905 New Jersey Census: with parents (S4). Listed as George B. Farmer age 2 born November 1902 in New Jersey.

· 1910 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Burt G. Farmer age 7 born in New Jersey.

· 1920 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Burt Farmer age 17 born in New Jersey.

· 1930 US Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Burt M. Farmer age 27 a salesman of dry goods born in New Jersey.

· Marriage: March 12, 1931 Hennepin, Minnesota (Web: Minnesota, US marriages from the Minnesota Official Marriage System, 1850-2019). Listed as Burt G. Farmer and Molly E. Malchow.

· 1940 US Census: 9A Claremont Ave, Montclair, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Burt G. Farmer age 37 a traveling salesman in the notions trade born in New Jersey with wife Molly D. age 39 born in Minnesota and 1 child. Burt G. age 1 born in Pennsylvania.

· WWII Draft Registration: February 15, 1942 (US, World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947). Listed as Burt Grenell Farmer age 39 who was born November 21, 1902 in Montclair, New Jersey an employee of Pratt & Famer Co 444-4th Avenue New York whose height was 5- 9m weight 185 with brown hair and gray eyes with his next of kin Mrs. Molly D. Farmer.

· 1950 Census: 384 Highland Terrace, Montclair, New Jersey (S4). Listed as Burt G. Farmer age 47 a rug sales manager for a rug importing firm born in New Jersey with wife Molly D. age 49 born in Minnesota and 2 children. Burt G. age 11 born in Pennsylvania and Sue age 7 born in Virginia.

· Death: October 13, 1975 Montclair, New Jersey (S=New Jersey, US, Death Index, 1901-2017) and (S7). Listed as Burt G. Farmer.

· Burial: Rosedale Cemetery Montclair, NJ (S7). Listed as Burt Grenell Farmer born November 21, 1902 who died October 13, 1975.

· Probate: not found.

· Obituary: The Montclair Times (Montclair, New Jersey) newspaper dated October 16, 1975, page 6 (US, Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current). Listed as B. G. Farmer president and owner of Pratt & Farmer Corporation of Fairmont.

· Wife’s Death: January 15, 1989 New Jersey (S=New Jersey, US, Death Index, 1848-1878, 1901-2017). Listed as Molly D. Farmer who was born February 8, 1900.

· Wife’s Burial: not found.

· Wife’s Probate: not found.

· Children:

1. Burt Geroge Pratt (c1939-??). 1840 and 1950 Censuses: with parents (S4), always listed as Burt G. Farmer born in Pennsylvania ages 1 and 11. Marriage: The Montclair Times (Montclair, New Jersey) newspaper dated October 25, 1962, page 25 (S=www.newspapers.com), listed as Burt George Farmer, son of Burt Grenell Famer and Ann Tombyll.

2. Sue Farmer 1(c1943-??). 1950 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Sue Farmer age 7 born in Virginia.

Avery Style Needle Cases signed with the Pratt & Farmer Name

1. Athena Golden: Mechanical Patient #2998 registered October 14, 1869 by William Avery and Albert Fenton of Redditch (S=British Library, London, UK).

2. Butterfly Box - Oval Tub: Ornamental Design #261191 registered March 16, 1872 by W. Avery and Son of Redditch (S=The National Archives, Kew, UK).

3. Christmas Pincer: Mechanical Patient #1473 registered May 21, 1870 by William Avery of Redditch (S=British Library, London, UK).

4. Demi Quad - Cleopatra: Mechanical Patient #2998 registered October 14, 1869 by William Avery and Albert Fenton of Redditch (S=British Library, London, UK).

5. Florence: Mechanical Patient #1473 registered May 21, 1870 by William Avery of Redditch (S=British Library, London, UK).

6. Hedgehog Needle and Pin Case: Ornamental Design #263784 registered June 27, 1872 by W. Avery and Son of Redditch (S=The National Archives, Kew, UK).

7. Stella Golden: Mechanical Patient #2998 registered October 14, 1869 by William Avery and Albert Fenton of Redditch (S=British Library, London, UK).

8. Universal Pin Case: Mechanical Patient #1332 registered May 16, 1871 by William Avery of Redditch (S=British Library, London, UK).

---

Endnotes:

[1] Much of the history of this company comes from a newspaper article about the firm’s 125th anniversary written in 1962 which is transcribed later in this narrative as well as from genealogy sources that confirm most the article’s information unless otherwise noted.

[2] S=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/notion

[3] In the 1861 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory, page, 796, the company was listed as E. C. Pratt & Brother (Erasmus Pratt and John H. Pratt), (S=ancestry.com). This was the first directory found for Philadelphia.

[4] In 1851 Marshall was living in Birmingham, UK. See the Genealogy section for source details.

[5] In 1860 Marshall was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. See the Genealogy section for source details.

[6] In the 1865 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory, page, 774, the company was listed as Erasmus C. Pratt & Brother (S=ancestry.com). In the 1866 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory, page 589, the company was listed as Erasmus C. Pratt, Bro. & Co. (S=ancestry.com).

[7] These advertisements are from Fabrics, Fancy Goods and Notions – Volume 37, July 1903 page 58 and September 1903, page 66 (S=google books).

[8] The Evening Telegraph newspaper (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) dated January 1, 1870, page 4 (S=www.news papers.com). Also, Erasmus C. Pratt, Bro. & Co. was listed in the 1872 New York, New York, City Directory, page 925 (S=ancesstry.com).

[9] Marshall Pratt and Co., late Erasmus C. Pratt, Bro. & Co.. was first listed in the Gopsill’s Philadelphia Business Directory in 1870, page 297. Marshall Pratt (Pratt & Farmer), h England was last listed in the 1879 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania City Directory, pages 1308 and 1309 (S=ancestry.com).

[10] Kelly’s Directory of Birmingham 1868 Commercial Trades and Official, page 272 lists Pratt Brothers & Farmer, merchants at 29 Graham Street (S=Birmingham, UK Library). Also, Erasmus Pratt was listed in the 1871 census in the Edgbaston section of Birmingham (see the Genealogy section of this chapter for more information).

[11] 1873 White’s Directory of Birmingham, UK, page 510 (S=ancestry.com). Listed as Pratt Bros. & Farmer, hardware merts at 62 Frederick Street and listed separately as Erasmus C. Pratt (Bros. & F).

[12]Pratt Bros and Farmer partnership dissolution and new partnership changes effective December 31, 1875 (S=The London Gazette newspaper dated February 4, 1876 available at ancestry.com). Also, the company was listed as Erasmus C. Pratt, Bro. & Co. (Erasmus C. & John H. Pratt & George P. Farmer) in the 1874 Philadelphia, Trade Directory, page 271 (S=ancestry.com). Both Erasmus C. and John H. Pratt were listed as living in England in the 1874 New York, New York, City Directory, page 1050, with their business listed as Erasmus C. Pratt. Bro. & Co. at 40 Lispenard Street (S=ancestry.com). In the 1875 New York, New York, City Directory, page 1152, the business was listed as Erasmus C. Pratt. Bro. & Co. at 29 Mercer Street with both owners listed with homes in England. Additionally, John Humphrey Pratt was listed in the 1876 Kelly’s Directory of Birmingham, UK, page 221 and Pratt Bros. & Farmer American merchants was listed on page 352.

[13] See John H. Pratt’s obituary later in this chapter which says Pratt & Framer was created in 1875. Detailed information about these two individuals can be found in the Genealogy section of this chapter.

[14] 1877 New York City Directory, page 1104, listed as Erasmus C. Pratt. Bro. & Co at 29 Mercer Street (S=ancestry.com). 1878 New York City Directory, page 1136, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 29 Mercer Street (s=ancestry.com).

[15]Listed as Pratt Bros & Farmer, American merchants, in the 1876 Birmingham UK Directory, page 352 (S=ancestry.com). Listed as Pratt & Farmer, Albert St, Dale End in the 1880 Birmingham UK Directory, page 411 (S=ancestry.com). Listed as Pratt & Farmer, 39 Albert Street, Dale End in the 1883 Birmingham UK Directory, page 480 (S=ancestry.com). Also, listed as Pratt & Farmer (successors to E. C. Pratt, Bro. & Co) in The Export Merchant Shipper of London, Manchester, Birmingham . . . edited by Customs House Employee, 1885, page 616 (S=www.books.google.com).

[16] 1880 New York City Directory, page 1223, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 29 Mercer Street (s=ancestry.com).

[17] 1882 New York City Directory, page 1309, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 27 Thomas Street (s=ancestry.com).

[18] 1886 New York City Directory, page 1537, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 29 Thomas Street (s=ancestry.com).

[19] 1888 New York City Directory, page 1585, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 77 Franklin Street (s=ancestry.com).

[20] 1889 New York City Directory, page 1585, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 77 Franklin Street (s=ancestry.com).

[21] Pratt and Farmer partnership dissolution listed in the Birmingham Daily Post newspaper (Birmingham, UK) dated December 5, 1888, page 8 (S=www.newspapers.com).

[22] 1891 New York City Directory, page 1097, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 357 Broadway (s=ancestry.com).

[23] 1898 New York City Directory, page 1040, listed as Pratt & Farmer at 353 Broadway (s=ancestry.com).

[24] The Throw Copartnership and Corporation Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx City of New York, 1909, published by Trow Directory, Printing & Bookbinding Co., page 630 (S=www.books.google.com). This directory lists the two Farmer brothers and their positions in the Pratt & Farmer Co.

[25] From a document of a meeting dated November 20, 1901 (S=Forge Mill Needle Museum archives in Redditch, UK).

[26] The Montclair Times newspaper dated September 27, 1962, page 1 and 36 (S=www.newspapers.com). A couple paragraphs from the newspaper article are not included because they were about George Farmer’s personal life in Montclair and were not about the company’s history. The dotted line is that part.

[27] Several obituaries list the company Pratt & Farmer as being formed in 1875, however it was not listed as Pratt & Farmer in city directories until 1878.

[28] Photos of the Christmas Pincer (S=eBay).

[29] From www.worthpoint.com.

[30] According to the 1871 and 1881 UK census records for the owners who returned to the UK. See the Genealogy section of this chapter for source details.

[31] Source information regarding the Pratt family can be found in the Genealogy section of this chapter unless otherwise noted.

[32] Lyneham is the only town near Shipton Under Wychwood in Oxfordshire with a name similar to the Lineham, Oxfordshire listed in various census records.

[33] S=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1860?amout=10000

[34] S=https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflation/1875?amount=14000

[35] This was the only town in Warwickshire with the name Leamington in it. It is currently known as Leamington Spa (S=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leamington_Spa#Transport).

[36] https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflation/1890?amount=1838

[37] New York Newspaper dated April 21, 1890 (S=www.newspapers.com).

[38] S=https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflation/1926?amount=11050

[39] The Evening Telegraph newspaper (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) dated January 1, 1870, page 4 (S=www.news papers.com)

[40] Source information regarding the Farmer family can be found in the Genealogy section of this chapter unless otherwise noted.

[41] Photograph of George Penrice Farmer (S=ancestry.com) and History of Montclair Township State of New Jersey by Henry Whittemore, 1894, page 263 (S=books.google.com).

[42] Ashwood Bank is the only town in in Worcestershire with Ashwood in its name.

[43] S=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1870?amout=20000

[44] S=https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1875amout=14000

[45] Asbury Park Press newspaper dated December 31, 1900 (S=www.newspapers.com)

[46] The Montclair Times newspaper dated October 15, 1942 (S=www.newspapers.com)

[47] The Montclair Times newspaper dated October 16 1975 (S=www.newspapers.com)

[48] The Montclair Times newspaper dated July 22, 1941 (S=www.newspapers.com)

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