It is interesting in this connection to note the various nationalities represented in this commonwealth, and the characteristics there portrayed show forth in the elemental strength that has been found in each nation. Mr. Marr was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, December 25, 1833, and in his life has exemplified the sturdy perseverance and determination so well known as belonging to the Scotch race. His parents were George and Mary Marr. His privileges in youth were somewhat limited, for, at the age of eleven years, he began an apprenticeship on a merchant vessel and made a trip to the West Indies and Nova Scotia. After a trip of two years and nine months he landed at New York on the way to Charleston, South Carolina. There he and three others left the vessel at Jersey City, and, as their apprenticeship was to cover a period of four months and had not expired, they hid in a canal boat until the vessel on which they sailed had weighed anchor for the southern port. Mr. Marr afterward worked on the Delaware canal for about a year. He then secured employment as a farm hand in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, receiving for his services fifty dollars per year. The second year he received one hundred and forty-four dollars, and continued to work as a farm hand in that locality until 1859, when he came to Lost Creek township, Miami county. There he worked by the month for two years, after which he spent one year in Elizabeth township, and then came to Staunton township, where he operated rented land until 1878. In that year he purchased the farm upon which he now resides.

Mr. Marr was married, on the 4th of November, 1858, to Miss Mary J. Lacey, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1848. Her parents, George and Deborah (Caffey) Lacey, came to Casstown in 1858 and both died in that city. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Marr has been blessed with twelve children: Laura, who was born October 20, 1859, died in infancy; William, who was born January 9, 1860, resides in Indiana; Ellsworth, who was born August 10, 1863, and is now deceased; Nora, who was born May 28, 1865, is the wife of Lewis Van Bargen; Susanna, who was born November 9, 1866, is the wife of George Walters; Minnie, who was born October 19, 1869, and is now deceased; Nellie, born February 28, 1871; David, who was born April 8, 1873, and is a farmer in Staunton township; Harry, who was born June 6, 1876, and is a farmer of Staunton township; Bertha, who was born June 4, 1878, and is now deceased; Ida, born April 14, 1880; and one who died in infancy.

The home of the family is a well-developed farm of eighty-seven acres on section 2, Staunton township. It is four and a half miles from Troy, and thus the city is of easy access. Although only a few acres had been cleared when Mr. Marr took possession, it is all now under cultivation, and, in addition to the well-tilled fields, there is a good orchard which yields its fruit in season. He has also erected a good residence and substantial outbuildings. He carries on general farming and, since 1861, has successfully engaged in the growing of tobacco. He was one of the first to attend the Troy market and twice each week visited it, killing from six to ten hogs for sale there. He is very energetic and enterprising and his business affairs have been crowned with success.

Mr. Marr casts his ballot for the Democracy and has served as road supervisor and school director, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are widely and favorably known in their community. Their circle of friends is extensive and their home is justly celebrated for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Marr is certainly a self-made man, as his educational privileges were very limited and he had neither wealth nor influence to aid him as he started out in life. He has worked his way upward by sheer pluck and perseverance, has overcome obstacles by determined effort, and to-day he stands among the substantial and highly- respected citizens of the community, his life serving as an example of what may be accomplished in America where great opportunities lie before those who really desire advancement.