Biography:

Dr. Francis Button Marr was born near Markham, Ontario on the 4th of April, 1841.  Dr. Marr was the 4th of 5 children born to Jacob Marr and the former Anna Button. His parents were farmers and his siblings were; John Billings Marr (born in 1829), Phoebe Ann Marr (born in 1834), Edwy Marr (born in 1838) and Artemesia Marr (born in 1844).

Dr. Marr was educated in the Markham area until he attended medical school at the University of Michigan. He was certified by the Homeopathic Medical Board in 1865.   Dr. Marr continued his education at The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, graduating in 1871.  He practiced medicine for a short period of time in Almonte, Michigan before moving to Ridgetown in 1872.

Dr. Marr married Mary Ann Smith in 1870.  Mrs. Marr was born in Quebec City on the 7th of September, 1844.  Mrs. Marr was the 3rd of 5 children born to William Smith and the former Jane Goff.  Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Delaware Twp in Middlesex County.  Her parents were farmers and her siblings were; Fred, Isabella, William and Ellen.

Dr. and Mrs. Marr had 3 sons; Delaski Marr who was born in Almonte, Michigan on the 21st of April, 1871, Ralph Marr who was born in Ridgetown on the 12th of October, 1875 and Freddie Marr who was born in Ridgetown on the 8th of October, 1876. Ralph Marr died on the 18th of April, 1879 and Freddie Marr died 10 days later.  The little boys were buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Ridgetown.

According to the 1882 Ontario Medical Register, Dr. Marr joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons on the 30th of November, 1871.

Dr. Marr had a long career as a physician.  His office was located on the Main Street of Ridgetown, now numbered as 45 and 47 Main Street East.  Dr. Marr purchased the property in 1872.  He is listed in the 1900 Ontario Business Directory as practicing in Ridgetown.

Mrs. Mary Ann Marr died at her residence in Ridgetown on the 18th of April, 1907.  She was buried at Greenwood Cemetery.

Dr. Marr married Minnetti Sophia Sumner in London, Ontario on the 1st of September, 1909.  Mrs. Marr was born in Westminster Twp, (Middlesex County) on the 2nd April of 1854.  She was the 9th of 10 children born to Samuel Lockhart Sumner and the former Kezia “Cora” Carter.  Her parents were farmers and her siblings were; Wallace Sumner, Lucy Jane Sumner, Thomas Hunt Sumner, Richard L. Sumner, James Sumner, Sarah Ann Sumner, George Washington Sumner, Alice Sumner and Leonard Far Sumner.  According to the 1888, 1891 and the 1901 census’ Mrs. Marr lived in Ridgetown and she was employed by Canada Post, a position she held until she was married.

Dr. Marr retired a few years before he passed away. He died on the 19th of February, 1915 in Ridgetown.  Dr. Marr’s wife, Minnetti died in Ridgetown on the 9th of July, 1942.  Dr and Mrs. Marr were buried at Greenwood Cemetery.

*Dr. Marr’s son Dr. Delaski Marr is also featured on the Chatham-Kent Physician Tribute website.

The photo below is of the Marr residence located at 45-47 Main Street East.