Recalls The Earliest Year

MARSH, WHITCOMB, PHELPS, BOSWORTH, GRINNELL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/12/2010 at 11:19:58

The Grinnell Herald; Dec. 1921

RECALLS THE EARLIEST YEAR.

Ella Marsh Writes Interesting Letter of Early Arrival in Grinnell Colony.

A reminiscent letter from Ella E. Marsh who is now of Monteer, Mo., recalls the early days of '54, when the "bell" was rung to announce the arrival of a new family. The writer says:

"I've lately wondered who else is still living who was a resident of Grinnell that first winter of 1854 and 1855.

"Friday, at 2 p.m., Oct. 5, 1854, my father drove two horses hauling a covered wagon with our dear mother and four children, besides himself and a few worldly possessions in it. He had left Bristol, Wisconsin, Monday of the previous week, and we did not travel on Sunday. I, being six, the day we started, recall some things. As we neared the settlement, that 'Bell' was rung. I recall that Mr. Whitcomb's folks came by stage coach, the next day. Abby and Helen were the children. Mr. Phelps' folks kept a hotel, and Scott's store was a landmark. The Long Home was a Home to all.

My father's 14-foot square, upright board house was soon ready for use. With Mrs. Bosworth's father, his brother, Hammond, he had spent the summer there. The Christian colony and Mr. Grinnell appealed to him.
"Cordially,
"ELLA E. MARSH."

All who remember the elder Marsh recall a tall, strong, tireless God-loving man who was fitted to be a real pioneer. He had the building instinct, and was a big factor in making early Grinnell what it was. Mr. Grinnell once said of him in public: "No other person, gave so much to the first Congregational church as Mr. Marsh, part in cash and a big part in work."