E.  Q.  Darr

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THE  SHELBY  DEMOCRAT
February 13, 1879
VOL. 1; No. 37
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from the article, SMILING  SHELBYVILLE!

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E.  Q.  Darr

Was born in the year 1844, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania.  He commenced learning the harness making trade when but thirteen years of age, in Hillsboro, Henry county, Ind., under the instruction of his father.  He has had an extensive experience in the business, having, since he mastered his trade, worked in Indianapolis, Muncie and Columbus, this State, and in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky.  Mr. Darr's first introduction to the citizens of this county was in the year 1872.  He worked for some time as a journeyman, when he concluded to branch out in business for himself, and he accordingly rented a store-room on the south side of the Public Square, and, in the month of May, 1874, opened out a small stock of goods in the harness line.  After remaining in that room for one year his business had increased to such an extent that more room was required to succesfully meet the demands of his numerous customers, and he moved to North Harrison street, in the frame building owned by  Marshall Elliott, where he had the misfortune to lose his stock by fire on the 5th day of March, 1878.  Although considerably discouraged by his misfortune, he determined to try it again, and a short time after the fire, re-opened in the room he now occupies, two doors north of the post-office.  Mr. Darr started in business with the determination of using nothing but the best of material and making nothing but what he could warrant, he believing that this, together with fair and honest dealing would, in time, bring him a good trade.  And in this he has succeeded.  He started in business four years ago comparatively a stranger to the citizens of this vicinity.  He had, as competitors, two old established shops, the proprietors of which had been in the business in this city for years.  His trade, at the start, was vey small, while that of his competitors was old established and large.  The outlook for him at that time was not very flattering.  But four years time has brought about quite a change.  He started into the business with the determination to win, and he has succeeded.  His trade has grown rapidly, until now he enjoys a patronage that is second to none.  His is known all over the county, and his work has a wide-spread reputation for neatness and durability.  In short, Mr. Darr has taken the lead in the harness business in this city and county, and by good work and honorable dealing proposes to maintain the reputation he has succeeded in establishing.  He keeps a good stock constantly on hand, and invites all persons contemplating making purchases in his line to call and examine goods and prices at his shop.
Next biography in the "Smiling Shelbyville" newspaper article, Wilbur F. Hazard.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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