JOHN HIRAM MARR
John H. Marr, of Onawa was born in the township of Woodhouse, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, April 24, 1826, and is the son of David and Anna (Austin) Marr. His father was a native of Northampton County, Pa., and was born September 10, 1790. His mother was a daughter of Solomon Austin, who removed to Canada about the close of the Revolutionary War from North Carolina, where he resided until his death. He was married to Joanna Thomas, who survived him until 1834. They had a family of nin children, and were of Scotch-English ancestry. David Marr died January 4, 1871; his wife September 23, 1871. David Marr, the grandfather of our subject was born August 8, 1743.
John Hiram Marr, one of a family of fourteen children, remained at home until he had reached his seventeenth year, receiving, but a limited education on account of the lack of facilities. He then served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, which he fully mastered. He remained in Canada until 1854, when he came to Iowa, and located on a farm in Winneshiek County. After making some improvements, three months later he returned to Canada, where followed his trade for two years longer. During this time, September 17, 1856, he wedded Miss Catherine N Ross, a daughter of Francis A. Ross, a Canadian of Irish descent. Mr. Ross was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and married Susannah Decou. In 1854, he went to Rock Island, Illinois, where he died. His wife died in Olmstead County, Minnesota on August 21, 1858, while living with her daughter, Mrs. Marr. She was the mother of nine children, four of whom were boys, and was a devout member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Marr was born May 5, 1833.
John H. Marr, in 1856, returned to the United States and after spending about seven months in Winneshiek County, Iowa, settled at Pleasant Grove, Olmstead County, Minnesota, where he bought a sawmill with his brother William C. Marr and Silas Emes. In the spring of 1861, he returned to Winneshiek County, but one year later went back to his Canadian home. Remaining in the latter country until the fall of 1871, he again removed to this state and after settling up his affairs in Winneshiek County, came to Onawa, arriving there, November 11, 1872. At one engaging in his trade of blacksmith, he has labored at the forge and anvil in that place ever since. His strict adherence to business upright and honest dealing and geniel affable manner, ghave made him a favorite in the community. Both he and his wife are zealous and hard working members of the Methodist Church, with which they united years ago. In politics, he is a strong Republican Prohibitionist, and lends all his influence to the suppression of the rum power.
Mr. and Mrs. Marr are the parents of the following children, five of whom are now living: Hervey E. born June 7, 1867, Hamilton, March 4, 1859, Winfield S., March 12, 1861, D. Walter, June 2, 1864; and Will O, June 14, 1872.
MARR FAMILY LINKS
