Marsh, David

The following data is extracted from History of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington, 1889.

DAVID MARSH. - This excellent gentleman and popular public officer, whose untimely death of recent occurrence was widely noted in the papers of this coast, exemplified in a large measure the frank and amiable qualities which make life happy; and to these he added the rugged force of character and keen intellect which served to make a community prosperous.

He was born in East Tennessee in 1844. When a child of two or three years, his parents removed to Iowa, in which state his aged mother now resides. In 1862 Mr. Marsh, having reached the age of eighteen years, joined one of the many wagon expeditions across the plains, and landed in the Walla Walla country, where he spent some eight or nine years in teaming and freighting from Umatilla and Wallula landings on Snake river into the interior as far as Boise City, Idaho. In 1871 he returned to Iowa, remaining in that state a little over a year. It was during this visit home that he met and married Miss E.J. Larwood, sister of J.J. Larwood, the auditor of Whitman county. With her he lived in happiness and contentment until the time of his death. In1872 Mr. and Mrs. Marsh returned to the Walla Walla valley, residing there until 1874, when they removed to this county and settled on a homestead near Almota, where they resided until the winter of 1880-81, following the peaceful occupation of farming.

In 1880 Mr. Marsh became the choice of the Democracy of Whitman county for sheriff. He was elected, and for the two ensuing years filled that office with honor and credit. His ability as an officer, and the qualities he possessed as a man, won for him a host of friends among the people of the county. In recognition of his work, the Democracy again in 1882 placed a renomination in his hands, which he carried to a triumphant success at the polls, with an increased majority. Again, in 1884, he was renominated and re-elected, thus filling that responsible office for three successive terms, - six years.

Since he removed to Colfax, Washington Territory, he was a constant resident and one of the most worthy citizens of the city. For two years, he was in the livery business with Thomas Baker. He left a wife and three children, who are still living in Colfax, three brothers on this coast, and two brothers and his mother who reside in Agency City, Iowa. By his death, his family lost a true husband and loving father, and Whitman county an upright citizen.

Source: History of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington, 1889

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