Obit: Marsh, William (? - 1954)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Marsh, Wells, Cole, North, Devos, Unger, Naedler, Hoesly, Thomsen, Smith, Brown, Pree, Jones, Bigger, Jackson   
 

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) December 30, 1954 
 

Marsh, William J. (? - 22 December 1954) 
 
 

William J. Marsh, whose early experiences in merchandising in Neillsville carried him back into the days when lumbering was the flourishing industry here, was laid at rest in the Neillsville City Cemetery Monday afternoon. 
 

He died last Wednesday, December 22, at his home on East Fourth Street, where he had been in semi-confinement since an extended illness earlier in the year.  Death was due to the complications brought on by old age.  
 

The store in which Mr. Marsh spent most of his business life in Neillsville is that which now houses the J. C. Penney Company at the corner of Hewett and West Fifth.  It is the first brick store building erected in Neillsville and was purchased by Mr. Marsh and his brother and partner, Lute Marsh, in 1891. 
 

Before making this purchase Mr. Marsh had been engaged in retailing in Neillsville for several years.  He came here from Black River Falls as a lad of 16, being sent here to look after the interests of Jerome Cole, Black River Falls druggist and creator of the remedy "Cole’s Carbolic Salve."  For two years young Will Marsh worked from early ‘til late and received the great sum of $200 per year. 
 

At the time of his death Mr. Marsh was the oldest member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, No. 163, F. & A. M., which honored him several years ago by presenting him with a 50-years certificate.  He also was a member of the Neillsville Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M. and of Neillsville Commandery No. 36, K. T.  
 

Mr. Marsh was married in 1882 in St. Paul, Minn. to Bertie Wells, who died in 1929.  
 

Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. Herman North; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 
 

Masonic services were held at 2 p.m. Monday from the Temple, with A. L. Devos reading the Masonic rites.  The Georgas Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 
 

Pallbearers were Adolph Unger, Henry Naedler, Jake Hoesly, Henry Thomsen, William Smith and Herbert Brown.  
 

Close relatives from out-of-town attending the rites were: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Pree and daughter, Karen, and Miss Ruth Jones, all of Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bigger, Mr. and Mrs. Don Bigger, Black River Falls; Col. Leo M. Jackson, King, Wis. 
 

(Please read his Biography elsewhere on the website.  Thank you, Dmk.)