The Farquhar Steam Engine Boiler, circa 1915, is an example of the well-built steam traction engines produced by the A.B. Farquhar Company. The steam engine boiler was an essential component of the steam traction engine, which was used as a portable power plant that could run various equipment such as sawmills and threshers.

The boiler produced the steam that powered the engine, and it had to withstand high pressures and temperatures. The Farquhar Steam Engine Boiler was manufactured in York, Pennsylvania, where the A.B. Farquhar Company was established in 1856.

The company was initially named the Pennsylvania Agricultural Works and produced farm equipment such as cotton, corn, and grain planters. The company's wares were sold internationally, as far away as South America, Africa, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, and India. However, Farquhar became particularly well-known for its steam traction engines.

These engines were used extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a portable power source, and they helped to revolutionise the agricultural industry. Oxen, horses, or mules typically pulled the steam traction engines to where they were needed. Once there, they could power various equipment, such as threshers, sawmills, and other machinery.