Pg 494

         DEWITT C. MARSHALL, a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 8, Marshall Township, and a pioneer of 1842, was born in Brooke County, Va., Dec. 24, 1830, and is a son of Joshua and Margaret (Maxwell) Marshall, whose sketch appears with that of W. H. Marshall. The subject of this sketch came with his father to Louisa County in 1842, when but a lad of twelve years. His school days began in his native county, he there receiving the greater part of his education, for the schools in his new home were few and far between, though by observation and studying at home he gained much useful knowledge. . . .

Pg 495

. . . His brother William taught the first school in Marshall Township, which was named for the father of our subject, he being one of its earliest pioneers. Mr. Marshall remained under the parental roof until the age of twenty-six, when he was united in marriage with Catherine Willis, their union being celebrated April 23, 1857. Mrs. Marshall was born in Belmont county, Ohio, and is a daughter of James and Eliza (Skinner) Willis, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Virginia. In an early day they became residents of Louisa County, Iowa, where the mother died at the home of our subject, the father departing this life in Henry County, Iowa.

Mr. Marshall and his young bride began their domestic life upon a farm of 160 acres, situated in Morning Sun Township. There a fine farm was developed, they making it their home until 1861, when they took up their residence on section 8, Marshall Township, where they have now for over a quarter of a century resided. The farm now comprises 480 acres, situated in Morning Sun and Marshall Townships. He started out with but 160 acres of wild and uncultivated land which he had pre-empted, but from time to time added to it until he now has one of the best farms in the county. He has a beautiful frame residence, two-story, 38x40 feet, and upon the land may be found all the improvements necessary to a well-regulated farm. For the past three or four years Mr. Marshall has been turning his attention to the breeding of stock, horses, cattle and hogs, in which he is quite successful. Honest and square in all his dealings, he has won the entire confidence of the people of the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have been the parents of ten children, all of whom are yet living: Robert C., born Jan. 26, 1858; Margaret, born April 25, 1860, is the wife of John McMath, a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer living about three-quarters of a mile west of the old homestead; Lydia, born Aug. 6, 1861; Virginia, Dec. 4, 1863; James, July 10, 1866; Alma, Feb. 28, 1869; Catherine, March 20, 1871; Joshua, Oct. 4, 1873; Cora, July 31, 1876; and Cleo, May 27, 1879.

Mr. Marshall is one of the honored pioneers of Louisa County. At the time of his arrival the wigwam of the red man was seen in the forest, deer and other wild game roamed over the prairie, and the settlements of civilized men were few and far between. He came to this county claiming the virgin soil as his heritage. To such pioneers all honor is due for the prosperity of those who may come after. Little can the children of these noble men, who are yet left to tell the story, know of the hardships and privations which their parents endured in order to make homes in this new country. In the work of progress and civilization which has been carried on Mr. Marshall has taken an active interest, has aided in the development of the land, and participated in all public, social, educational and religious enterprises. Politically, he has always identified himself with the Democratic party. His wife is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and as citizens none stand higher in the respect and esteem of the people of Louisa County, Iowa, then do Dewitt C. Marshall and his estimable wife.