J. A. MARSHALL
Page 428
J. A. MARSHALL
Page 428
 J. A. MARSHALL is one of the most enterprising business men of Manito, being now engaged in the sale of buggies, surries, wagons, hardware and stoves, and everything found in a first-class establishment of the kind. He was born September 23, 1846, in Madison County, Ohio, and is a son of Joshua Marshall, who was born in Virginia in 1814. His parents were Joshua and Sarah (Haynes) Marshall. The father of our subject moved to Kankakee, Ill., in 1846, and built a new hotel, but was burnt out in 1858, suffering a loss of $6,000. He also met other losses and this caused his removal to Mason County, where he was more prosperous. In 1862 he sold the produce of his farm for $6,200, and in his business interests met with success. In March, 1838, he married Drusilla Rackstraw, and to them were born the following children: Mrs. Samantha Black, Emeranda, J. A., of this sketch, Horace S., Allen J. and Henry S. The subject of this sketch worked at home upon the farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he determined to engage in agricultural pursuits for himself. He purchased in Spring Lake Township three hundred acres of land on which was a good house, barn and other improvements. His farm residence was destroyed by fire in 1883, but with characteristic energy he built a new residence, it being 30x14 feet with and "L" 14x18. It is two stories in height and cost $1,600. There is a fine barn 33x30 feet, with large cribs for the storing of his grain, in fact the place is complete in all its appointments, no accessory being wanted. The place is enclosed by a good hedge and a wire fence, and is divided into fields of convenient size. There is also a four-acre orchard. In 1878 Mr. Marshall built the North Elevator in Manito, at a cost of $3,500, and in connection with his brother Horace is engaged in grain dealing, doing a good business in that line. In the fall of 1881 he came to Manito, purchased lots and built him a home. He now has a fine residence 14x28 feet, with a front 18x20 feet, two stories in height, with a kitchen 20x14, the cost of erecting which was $3,500. It is supplied with all modern improvements and is one of the finest homes of the village. He also built his present hardware and implement store, which is 70x32 feet, with an addition of 30x100 feet for buggies and carriages, and an implement shed 60x18 feet, at a cost of $3,400. There is a hall above the main building with a stage, and seating capacity of three hundred. In his store is the public telephone, and he also has a private telephone connected with his house. In the office is a Caligraph type writer, which is operated by his son Clarence. Mr. Marshall was married October 23, 1873, to Elizabeth Docker, of Pekin, daughter of William and Letitia Docker. Her father was a native of England, came to America in 1855, settled in Shawneetown, Ill., and embarked in the banking business in Pekin. He afterward built the O K Mills of Pekin, which he operated for two years, when he failed. In 1868 he was elected City Clerk, which position he filled about three years. He made his home with Mr. Marshall for four years, and then removed to Virginia, Ill., where he died in the fall of 1892. He was a Republican in politics, was a member of the Reformed Church and served as Elder for about twelve years, taking an active part in church work. In 1882 Mr. Marshall was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died in October, They had three children two of whom are now living, Clarence E., born December 5, 1875, and Horace A., born June 20, 1878. They are both receiving excellent educational advantages, both were graduated with honors at the Manito High School, and will complete their education at some college which will fit them for any walk in life. Mr. Marshall was again married, December 10, 1884, his second union being with Sarah A. Strickler, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., January 6, 1861, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary Strickler. Her father was a dealer in books and stationery in Peoria, and died in November, 1882. To Mr. and Mrs. Marshall has been born one child, Samuel J., born November 15, 1886. Mr. Marshall is a Republican in politics, and is a well informed man, whose worth and ability have placed him in the front rank in business and social circles. He is sagacious and far-sighted and by his perseverance and well directed efforts he has gained a handsome property which numbers him among the substantial citizens of the community. He has done much for the upbuilding of Manito, and its best interests ever receive his support. |