My Genealogy Hound

Claiborne J. Marrs is a son of Andrew J. Marrs, who was born in Kentucky, and when a child went to Arkansas, where he made his home until he was twenty-three years old, when he walked from Arkansas to Missouri with a gun on his shoulder, obtaining food in the woods around him, and located in Newton County. He was married to Martha Danley, and by her had twelve children: William, Isaac, Andrew, John, Ira, Claiborne J., Martha, Nancy, Sarah J., Mary, and two who died in infancy. Mr. Marrs was a Southern sympathizer during the war, and lost two sons during that struggle: Andrew, who was killed at Marshall, Mo., and Isaac, who sickened and died at Little Rock, Ark. He also lost about $8,000 worth of property, twenty-five fine, blooded horses being taken at one time. His buildings were burned, and he was compelled to take refuge with a brother in Texas. He owned 640 acres of fine land, and after the close of hostilities he returned to Missouri, and resided on his farm until his death, which occurred April 14, 1888, when he was seventy-four years of age. He held several offices of trust in his township, and was a true gentleman, universally respected. Claiborne J., his son, was born in Newton County, September 24, 1861, and in his youth received a good education, teaching school for about three years after becoming grown. He was married to Lavinia Casey, a daughter of John and Margaret Casey, of Christian County, Ill., and by her has two children, Virgil E. and William T. Mr. Marrs is a Democrat and Mason, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He owns 244 acres of good farming land, and is one of the representative citizens of the county.