[taken from Chapter 4 Manx Worthies, A.W.Moore, 1901]

JOHN PARR (b. 1651, d. 1713),

the fourth son of Robert Parr, Rector of Ballaugh, began the study of law under Richard Tyldesley, comptroller and clerk of the rolls, in 1671. In 1679, he became a member of the House of Keys, and, in 1687, he was appointed episcopal registrar. His well-known abstract of Manx Customary Law appeared in 1690. In his dedication of it to Governor Heywood, he modestly states it to be "not a succinct module of the whole Laws and Constitution of this Isle, but as a tithe thereof, giving only an abridgment or compendium of such Laws and Acts as are of use." Others have, however, estimated the author and his work much more highly. Thus, James Clarke, attorney-general, writes of him, in 1817, as " that great and learned man Deemster PARR . . . whose work . . . abounds with great learning, and cannot be too closely studied by the members of the bar," and he remarks that its " style is clear and comprehensive," and that it " places the author very high as a writer on Jurisprudence." Sir James Gell pronounces it to be " the standard authority as to the common law." Unfortunately, it has never been printed. JOHN PARR was appointed deemster in 1693, an office which he held, with credit to himself and to the great advantage of his country, till his death. It is probable that his services were in request for the drafting of the Act of Settlement, but of this there is no proof. During his later years he lived at Parville, in Arbory, which was named after him.

Married twice two daus by 1st marriage - Ann & Isable; 2 sons Thomas & Robert + 2 daughters Dulcibella & Frances by second. See Will