Marsh, J. J. 1836 - 1915

MARSH, MALTBY, WEISER, SCAMMON, HALLENBECK, WHITNEY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/10/2025 at 10:05:19

Source: Decorah Republican Sep. 2, 1915, P3 C1

J. J. MARSH PASSES AWAY
WAS A PIONEER MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN FARM IMPLEMENTS.
Served as Postmaster for Nine Years—Death Came Suddenly After an Illness of a Few Minutes—Funeral To-day.
The community was startled on Monday morning by the news that J. J. Marsh had passed away at 2:30 o’clock after an illness of only a few minutes. Mr. Marsh was in his usual health on Sunday. About two o’clock he was taken by a sinking spell from which he did not rally. His sudden death came as a particular shock to Mrs. Marsh, who had but recently recovered from a serious illness.
In the passing of Mr. Marsh another link that connects the activities of early day residents with the present generation has been severed. Coming to Decorah in March, 1861, he immediately established himself in business. A partnership was formed with John Greer for the manufacture of plows, fanning mills, etc. After two years Mr. Marsh retired from the firm to engage in the farm implement business and up to the time of his retirement in 1903 his was the leading establishment in this line in Winneshiek county. The business prospered from the first, both because the best implements were carried and on account of the liberality of its owner in his dealings. In the days of the wheat failure in this part of Iowa Mr. Marsh was one of a few dealers who, having purchased his stock outright, carried his patrons until they could meet their obligation or stood his losses and with confidence in the ultimate outcome faced the situation unfalteringly. The same spirit that dominated his business was carried into other activities. When in later years Mr. Marsh entered politics and became chairman of the Republican county central committee he perfected an organization that rounded up record majorities. At the time it was said by candidates that no effort was too great for him, and any reported defection in the ranks was immediately looked after even if it required sleepless nights and midnight rides.
Neither did misfortune daunt him. When fire consumed his business home and his losses far exceeded his insurance plans were immediately formed for a newer and better structure, and the handsome building at the corner of Water and Mechanic streets was the result.
The spacious home and grounds in West Decorah where his later years were spent were an expression of his appreciation of the comforts and pleasures of life. Here it was his delight to entertain his friends, and he was never more happy than when surrounded by a group of young people, in spirit was young as any of them.
Mr. Marsh was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., November 26, 1836, removing to Lake county, Ill., at the age of eight years with his parents. He assisted his father in farming until 1853 when he learned the wagon and carriage maker’s trade in Waukegan. Subsequently he joined a company of young men who started for Pike’s Peak, but when they arrived at the Missouri river and found the tide of immigration had turned eastward he returned to Antioch, Ill. On May 26, 1860, he was married to Addie Maltby at Fox Lake, Ill. To them six children were born—Willis C. Marsh of San Francisco, Grace, (Mrs. E. J. Weiser of Fargo), Susie and Jo Louise Marsh of Detroit, Mich., Addie (Mrs. H. S. Scammon of Minneapolis) and Marjorie (Mrs. Herbert Hallenbeck of Carson, N. D.,) all of whom, with the exception of Willis, are here to attend the funeral. Mrs. Weiser, Mr. Scammon and Mr. Hallenbeck are also here.
Mr. Marsh became postmaster in December, 1903, and served until June 16, 1913, establishing a record for efficiency that was creditable in all respects. Although he never joined any religious organization Mr. Marsh was a regular attendant of the Congregational and Baptist churches and a liberal contributor to their support. In all other respects he sustained his share in the activities of the city, and in his passing is honored by the community.
The funeral will be held at two o’clock this afternoon, Rev. M. Willett officiating, and interment will be made in Phelps cemetery.

Source: Decorah Republican Sep. 2, 1915, P7 C3

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Maltby and Mr. and Mrs. M. D. Whitney were called to Decorah Monday by the sudden death of J. J March, uncle of Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Maltby. Mr. and Mrs. Maltby were in Decorah Sunday and visited with Mr. Marsh, who was as well as he has been for the past few months, and his death was quite a shock.

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by John Schulte.
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