This week we are going to explore the family of Arthur Jerome Marsh and Lillian Rose Whitfield. These are the parents of Vere Preston Marsh and four other children.
Arthur Jerome Marsh was born in Colesville, Broome, New York on April 9, 1866. When he was quite young the family moved to Buchanan, Michigan, where they resided until 1881. They then moved to Day County, South Dakota, where in March of 1888 the marriage of Arthur to Lillian Whitfield took place. Of this union there were born five children, four sons and a daughter. In 1896 Mr. and Mrs. Marsh established their home in Argyle, Minnesota, where Mr. Marsh conducted a meat business, buying and selling stock.
In 1916 they became residents of Washington. For a time they lived at Burton, later purchasing the portage store, and selling it to purchase the general store at Cove in 1922. Here Mr. Marsh was also appointed postmaster, a position he maintained until the time of his death.
For many years Mr. Marsh was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He served as ‘Worshipful Master’ in the lodge at Argyle, and later in the Mark P. Waterman lodge. Always just and fair in his dealings, Mr. Marsh enjoyed the confidence and respect of a wide circle of business friends both in Minnesota and in Tacoma, where his affiliation with the Red and White organization brought him in contact with other grocers from a wide territory. His jovial nature and his hearty laugh will long be remembered. Regardless of his personal feelings he was always ready with a bit of cheery philosophy, a word of encouragement for those whom he suspected of having a difficult time, as well as a word of praise for those whose efforts he was quick to recognize. The local paper received help and inspiration very often through timely clippings and words of approval when an article or editorial was to his liking.
Arthur Jerome Marsh passed away on Sunday, October 27, 1935 at his home following a long illness. Funeral services were held at 10:30 o’clock Wednesday morning from the Cove Methodist Church. He had been tenderly cared for by his wife, who was herself not at all strong, and their youngest son, Lloyd. Rev. Fretz, who conducted the services, paid a high tribute to the life and example of one who was a force for good on Vashon Island for many years, and also a kind and considerate husband and father. He addressed words of comfort to the members of the family, particularly the wife, who mourn the passing of their dear one.
Mrs. Lillian R. Marsh, 80, of Spanaway, died Saturday, November 24, 1945 at a local hospital. She was formerly a resident of Vashon Island where, in 1920 she served as matron of the Island Chapter, O.E.S. Funeral services were held Monday at 1 p.m. at the Lakewood Mortuary under direction of the Island chapter O.E.S followed by cremation. Lillian was buried at the Tacoma Mausoleum and Mortuary in Tacoma, Pierce, Washington.
My Sources are from my database, newspapers, U.S. Census Records, birth, marriage and death certificates.
Copyright © 2009 by Gus J. Marsh
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