Prosper Marsan 1834-1925

MARSON, BURNS, HANEY

Posted By: Volunteer: Roxanne Riggan
Date: 6/2/2012 at 15:22:06

Prosper Marsan

Mr. Prosper Marsan was born near Montreal, Canada, June 10, 1834 and died at Marshalltown, Sunday, Nov. 22nd 1925. He learned his trade in Canada and came to Chicago when that city was about the size of Milton.

He lived in Illinois where he spent most of his time at the cabinet trade; while living in this state a part of his time was spent in working for Abraham Lincoln’s step-brother and here he learned to know Abraham Lincoln personally. At the very beginning of the Civil War he joined the Union Army.

He enlisted with the 12th Illinois Cavalry in 1861. He spent two years and ten months serving his country; during which time he was wounded twice. In 1861 he was wounded in the head and in 1863 received a wound in the foot, which left him crippled for the rest of his life. This last wound kept him in the hospital for several weeks.

After his return from the hospital he spent a short time in Illinois, and then came to Iowa. He made the second trip before he decided to stay.

He was married to Agnes Burns, May 25, 1867. Mrs. Marsan preceded him in death, dying August 2nd, 1924. To this union four children were born, two dying in infancy. Mrs. Belle Marsan Haney, dying October 9, 1920. He is survived by one son Frank D. Marson, six grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

He joined the Baptist church when ---- young and remained an earnest Christian until the end of his life, stirring others to greater efforts by his own example.

He was a charter member of the Odd Fellows lodge at both Milton and Troy.

For many years he lived in Milton, moving to this place over thirty years ago from the farm southwest of Milton.

During the Kansas boom, he went to that state in a covered wagon. He remained there a short time and then returned to Milton, where the rest of his life; excepting the last two years was spent.

Over two years ago he and wife went to make their home at the Old Soldiers Home at Marshalltown, Iowa. After Mrs. Marsan’s death he returned to Marshalltown, remaining there until his death.

The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church Monday afternoon conducted by Heady, of Bloomfield.

Six soldiers of the World War acted as pall bearers. They were J. I. Sell, R. S. Conner, Ray Brewer, John Johnson, H. E. Snyder and John Hargrove.

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Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 391, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA