MARR FAMILY
The name Mar or Marr was derived from a district in Aberdeenshire between the rivers Don and Dee, in Scotland. This ancient division was called a marmordom. The earliest mention of the territory under this distinctive name was in 1063, when the marmor of Marr witnessed a charter. From this remote ancestor down through a long line of titled members of the family, the estates passed to the Erskines, who became the Earls of Marr. The possessors of the estates, who lived during the stormy periods of Scottish history, experienced many vicissitudes of fortune, being involved in the wars there. Some representatives of the family during the earlier successions appear to have been able and worthy men, and for services rendered the crown were invested with many honors and titles. When the Lord of the Isles advanced upon Aberdeenshire, intending to ravage the country, with his 10,000 men; when he had reached the district of Marr he met stubborn resistance from the earl of that name in an engagement called, "The Battle of Harlaw.
The first of the Erskine family acknowledged to be Earl of Mar was John, in 1571, whose portrait is in the author's collection. He was called the fifth Earl of Marr. His son, John, the second Earl of Marr of the Erskine family, was probably the most distinguished of the line and was educated under Buchanan with King James VI at Stirling Castle. He was agentleman of remarkable diplomatic sagacity who was exalted to high honors. By his class mate, James VI, he was called "Jocky O' Sclaittis," that is, of the slate: and when he claimed the hand of Lady Mary Stuart, who declined to bestow the same, the king interceded successfully and in his matter of fact way said: "I say, Jock ye sanna die for ony lass in a' the land."
"There is more to this article and I found it among my late fathers items of Genealogy. If anyone has more, I sure would appreciate an Email.
Connie
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