“Jolly Barnett Pharis acquired his educational training in the public schools of Clark County, and still a youth entered the store in company with brother, Sidney, who was already the proprietor of an establishment at Ruckerville.  This partnership continued for two years, when their brother-in-law, William S. Gamboe, took over Sidney Pharis’ interest, but two or three years later this was purchased by Jolly B. Pharis, who continued as sole proprietor until 1892.  In that year he removed to Winchester, where he bought a grocery stock and continued in business until 1893, and then entered the office of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad at Winchester, remaining in the service of the road until 1901.  At that time Dick Ware, an old merchant as Schollsville, died, worth $5000,000, and Mr. Pharis sensing and opportunity, purchased his old location and his stock.  Four years later he bought the present store, including forty-five acres of land, and enlarged the store and stock, since which time he has been successful in increasing his trade each year.  He has also secured an adjacent residence, where he makes his home.”

Reference Data:

History of Kentucky, by Ellis Merton Coulter, 1922, page 115