a native of England and the latter of Indiana. Lewis W. Marsh emigrated to the United States with his parents when a youth in his teens, the family home being established in Stephenson county, Illinois. Becoming a carpenter's apprentice, he thoroughly familiarized himself with the trade and followed it until the outbreak of the Civil war. Offering his services to the Union, he served the country for a short time as a carpenter. Soon after his return from the war he journeyed westward to Marshall county, Iowa, and there wedded Miss Laura Hartpence, who had accompanied her parents on their removal from Indiana to this state. Following his marriage he took up his abode on a farm near Oskaloosa, residing thereon for about two years. He next followed farming in Marshall county for a similar period and then came to Story county, purchasing three hundred and five acres of land one mile east of Collins and operating the place until he put aside the active work of the fields about 1897. For a period of five years he lived in Collins and in 1902 removed to Pasadena, California, where both he and his wife have since made their home, enjoying the fruits of their former toil in well earned ease. Mr. Marsh still retains two hundred and sixty-five acres of his land in Collins township, which is generally known as the garden spot of Story county. He and his wife are consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives.
Ralph E. Marsh was reared under the parental roof, attending the public schools in the acquirement of an education. On attaining his majority he started out in life for himself as an agriculturist, renting and operating the home farm for three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased and located on a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 2, Collins township, there carrying on agricultural pursuits for about ten years. In 1901 he left the farm and took up his abode in Collins, where a year later he established the business which he now conducts and which has since assumed extensive and profitable proportions. In connection with his interests as a dealer in furniture and agricultural implements he also conducts an undertaking business, for which he is well qualified, being a 1909 graduate of the Hohenschuhe Carpenter School of Embalming of Des Moines, Iowa. He is careful in formulating plans, is determined in their execution and displays keen foresight in managing his varied interests.
In 1891 Mr. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Edith Black, a daughter of James Black, a prominent farmer of Lee county, Illinois. Unto 0ur subject and his wife were born five children, four of whom still survive, namely : Hazel M., Harold, Kenneth T. and Glenn B.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Marsh has supported the men and measures of the republican party. He is a member of the present town council of Collins, having been identified therewith for seven consecutive years. In fraternal circles he is well known, belonging to Fervent Lodge No.' 513, A. F. & A. M.; Amity Lodge No. 361, I. O. O. F.; Crescent Camp No. 2358, M. W. A.; and Collins Homestead No. 365, Yeo-