Farquhar, Henry Hallowell

Henry Hallowell Farquhar received his MBA from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration in 1916. Prior to his arrival in Boston he was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture from 1909-1914. He was hired as Instructor in Factory Management in 1916 and was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1920. In 1925 he became the comptroller for A.L. Smith Iron Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts. His civic interests included the Boston Chamber of Commerce where he served as chairman of the Committee on Industrial Planning. He was a Senior Member of the Taylor Society.

Henry Hallowell Farquhar received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1915 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1916. Prior to his arrival in Boston to attend graduate school, Farquhar spent the years between 1909 and 1914 employed by the United States Department of Agriculture . In that capacity, he gained significant work experience as laborer, timekeeper, foreman, and superintendent in various industries. During this same period, he published several articles on forestry. He maintained his interest in government service with civilian positions in the United States Air Service and United States Shipping Board during World War I.

Farquhar, a strong supporter of Frederick Taylor’s scientific management theory, assisted in teaching factory management at Harvard Business School in 1915-1916 while studying for his degree. After graduation, he instructed that course from 1916-1920 and in 1920, he was promoted to Assistant Professor of Industrial Management. In addition, he taught special courses at Harvard Business School related to a wartime economy during 1917-1918. After teaching Industrial Management for six years, Farquhar resigned from the faculty of Harvard Business School as a result of differences of opinion over the way this course should be taught.

Henry Farquhar worked as a consultant on production, sales, and financial reorganization work for various firms in the Boston area while on the faculty of Harvard Business School. In 1925 he became the comptroller for A. L. Smith Iron Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts. His civic interests included the Boston Chamber of Commerce where he served as chairman of the Committee on Industrial Planning. His respect for Frederick Taylor led him to become a Senior Member of the Taylor Society.