Tarr Family Folder
Online Material
Published Sources
1.PA German Pioneers, Vol.XLII, PA German Society, pg.692
2.Biography of Am.Congress 1774-1927, Jordan, pg. 1596
3. Genealogical Personal History of Western PA, Vol.3, Jordan, pg. 1135
4.History of Westmoreland County, pgs. 704-705
5.History of Westmoreland Co;PA with biographical sketches of many pioneers and prominent men, pg.687
6.Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Westmoreland, pg. 258Researchers
Biography
Johannes Balthaser Dorr aka John B. Tarr came from Germany to this country in 1764. He migrated to Ellicott Mills,MD and took his Oath of Allegience at Baltimore, MD on Sept.26, 1768. He migrated from MD to the Sewickley settlement before the Revolution. A 1783 census shows him owning 300 acres, 2 horses, 2 cattle, 2 sheep and residing in Huntingdon Twp. He was a potter by trade, a member of the Zion-Lutheran Church and the father of 11 children. He died Jan.20, 1792.
His son Daniel was born in E.Huntingdon Twp. in 1769, where he died in 1852. He was a Whig and one of the earliest opponents of slavery. He was captured by Indians and held hostage for 3 years. He settled near Tarr's Station and his occupation was farming. He also learned the art of pottery, and up until the time of his death at the age of 83 years old, he engaged in the manufacture of earthenware.
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