Surnames: Marsh, Taylor, Wright

----Source: NEILLSVILLE TIMES (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 05/11/1905

Marsh, Nelson (14 AUG 1828 - 5 MAY 1905)

Nelson Marsh died Friday morning, May 5, 1905, at Granton (Clark Co., Wis.), of old aged, aged 76 years, 8 months and 21 days. The funeral was held at Woodman Hall in Granton, Rev. Guy W. Campbell of this city officiating, and Judge James O’Neill giving a biographical address, which is printed herewith, and which contains the salient facts of the worthy life now closed. The burial was in the Granton Cemetery. There was a notable attendance at the funeral of old friends from this city and elsewhere, who honored the worthy and kind-hearted pioneer.

Judge James O’Neill made the following remarks:

"Nelson Marsh was born at Middletown, Pa., Aug. 14th, 1828; was married to Amanda R. Taylor Dec. 15th, 1851. He moved with his family to what was known as Maple Works (near Granton), Clark County, Wis., in the spring of 1857; resided at Maple Works and Granton up to the time of his death.

His wife died Oct. 4, 1896, since which time he has made it his home with his daughter, Mrs. J. Wright, at Granton.

He leaves surviving him, his daughter and five sons, viz., Joseph Marsh of Marshfield, Lewis A. Marsh of Granton, Sylvester L. Marsh of Granton, Alva B. Marsh of Neillsville and Spencer M. Marsh of Neillsville.

He was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of Co. C, 3rd Wis. Infantry.

It has been my pleasure to know Mr. Marsh for more than thirty years. As an old friend I have been asked to say a few words as to his life and character.

Mr. Marsh was one of the pioneers of Clark County. He was one of the very earliest settlers in this region. He came to Maple Works only thirteen years after the earliest settlement in the county, at Neillsville. John Wage, the father of Fernando and Thomas Wage, preceded him about a year. Mr. Ely Williams, who will be remembered as having lived to be nearly one hundred years old, came about the same time.

Mr. Marsh’s brother Levi came in 1856. George and Alonzo Brooks came about 1858 and settled in the vicinity.

There were no turnpike roads here then, much less railroads.

The population of the whole county in 1857 was only a few hundred. Mr. Marsh saw it grow to about 30,000. He lived to see the forests disappear and beautiful farms opened and until the county took its place among the most advanced and prosperous communities of the state.

Two of Mr. Marsh’s sons, Joseph and Lewis, and the daughter, Mrs. John J. Wright, were born in Pennsylvania. The others were born on the home farm here in Grant.

In these days of railroads and steamships and telegraphs it is rather remarkable that all of Mr. Marsh’s family should have grown up and remained near the old home. It is a satisfaction to them all to be able to be near their father in his declining years and to be present, an unbroken family, in the ceremonies of this occasion.

A word as to the life and character of the deceased.

An inspired writer has said: "What O man doth the land require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God?"

I believe Mr. Marsh fulfilled all these requirements. He was a just man. I never heard of his being accused of defrauding a neighbor. I never knew of his having a quarrel. I never was informed that he had a law suit in court.

His word was true and always to be relied on.

He was a magistrate of his town for many years. He composed the quarrels of neighbors. He was a peacemaker. He believed in righteous dealing, of which he was a shining example. No one can measure the beneficent influence of such a life in a community. His home was one of generous hospitality. It was my pleasure to have visited there during the life of his wife, who preceded him in the grave about nine years ago. There was love in the family life, and good cheer for the neighbors and friends who visited them. His house was a common meeting place for old and young.

Mr. Marsh was a friend to the needy and the suffering. He gave of his means as he could afford for charitable purposes.

He was a patriotic American citizen, responding to his country’s call in her hour of danger.

I do not know just what were the religious views of our departed friend. I feel satisfied that he recognized his relation and duty to the heavenly Father. His life proves that he observed the divine command to love his neighbors. So, a survey of his life and character prove that he "dealt justly, he loved mercy and walked humbly with his God."

His memory will long remains a heritage to his family and an example to all of his friends.

His life was one of virtuous aims, of persistent endeavor and of good success. He had the satisfaction of seeing his children become useful citizens, some of them being honored with high position. His career was well rounded and at the end he "dropped like a ripe fruit into his mother’s lap." Just as the earth is awaking from the sleep of winter, in the midst of bursting buds and fragrant blossoms as the hills and valley are being clothed with their marvelous carpet of green we are called to lay away the body of our dear friend. This ever recurring springtime is proof thus that death is but a sleep and that the spirit of man will be quickened into a new life by the same power which animates the natural world. So we part with the physical presence of our good friend, not in despair, but in the most perfect hope and trust that he has been received in a higher life into communion with the Father of us all."

(Additional note)