Washington

MARR, Charles

Genealogical and Family History of the State of Vermont: A Record of the 
Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding 
of a Nation. Carleton, ed. Chicago: Lewis, 1903, p 513

The mammoth granite industry of Vermont, one of the principal sources of 
wealth in the state, has had its development within a comparatively short 
time, not exceeding a quarter of a century. During this period its stone 
products have been placed in every market reached by rail, extending far to 
the west, and enjoy well deserved reputation for quality of material and 
finished workmanship. Among the master mechanics and quarry proprietors of 
Vermont who have achieved these notable results, some of the most 
enterprising and successful are of Scotch origin, who learned their trade in 
working the famous granite of their native hills, and who in coming to 
Vermont, found a field for which they were peculiarly well suited. Among 
such is Charles MARR, a leading granite manufacturer of Barre [Washington 
County, Vermont].

Charles MARR was born 23 July 1851 in the parish of Udny, Aberdeenshire, 
Scotland, son of Alexander and Mary (BURR) MARR. The father [Alexander MARR] 
was born 11 March 1805, in the parish of Foveran, Aberdeenshire, and died 15 
August 1888; his wife [Mary (BURR) MARR] was born in the not far distant 
parish of Davot, 13 November 1813. Their son, Charles MARR, received his 
education in the parish school, and was engaged upon the home farm until he 
was sixteen years of age. He then went to the city of Aberdeen, and entered 
upon an apprenticeship with a stone cutter. Having mastered his trade, he 
worked as a journeyman until the spring of 1880, when he came to the United 
States, arriving in New York City on 15 April [1880]. He went thence to the 
stone regions at Quincy [Norfolk County], Massachusetts, where he was 
employed for three years.

On 30 May 1883 he located at Barre, Vermont, to enter upon business on his 
own account. 01 June after his arrival, he associated himself with Alexander 
GORDON, also a skilled workman, under the firm name of Marr & Gordon, and 
somewhat later Mr. [Charles] MARR's brother William [MARR] was admitted, the 
firm name remaining unchanged. The business of the establishment developed 
steadily, and is now one of the most extensive in its line in the city, and 
the works are among the oldest. The firm owns two large quarries, and 
operates a water-powered polishing mill at South Barre and cutting sheds in 
the city of Barre. The product of the works comprise all descriptions of 
fine monument, mausoleum, vault and other cemetery work, including original 
designs in great variety and of the most superior class.

Mr. MARR has not only contributed materially to the advancement of community 
interests through his business enterprise, but has constantly aided in all 
public movements of utility. He is a member of the Congregational church. 
Republican in national concerns; in local affairs is independent, giving his 
support to such men as represent the best of local government and best serve 
the home people. Member of Clan Gordon No. 12, Scottish Clans, of Barre. On 
15 August 1893 in Barre [Washington County, Vermont] he [Charles MARR] 
married Miss Addie Luella GODFREY, who was born 18 December 1871 in West 
Fairlee [Orange County], Vermont. Their children, all born in Barre, are: 
Evan Godfrey (born 19 November 1894), Charles Wallace (born 18 September 
1896), Mary Annette (born 04 August 1898), and Evelyn Rosalind (born 28 
February 1902).

Submitted by Cathy Kubly