My Genealogy Hound

EDWIN D. MARSH, a resident of Amherst and a dealer in carpets, furniture, and upholstery, was born in Chicopee, Mass., on Washington’s Birthday in 1845, son of Merrick M. and Louisa (Bartlett) Marsh.

His grandfather, Rufus Marsh, who was a native of Rome, N.Y., resided in Franklin County, Massachusetts. During the greater part of his life he followed the trade of a carpenter, and also successfully operated a saw-mill and a grist-mill. He was a man of industrious habits and a respected citizen of his town. He died in Whately, Mass., fifty-two years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Camilla Church, bore him eleven children. The seven now living are: Norman C., Electa, Amoretta, Merrick M., Edwin D., Brigham, and Sabra. The mother was seventy-two years of age at the time of her death. Both parents were Episcopalians in their religious belief, and in politics he was a Democrat.

Merrick M. Marsh, who was born in Erving, Mass., January 14, 1822, came to Amherst when but sixteen years of age to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker with the firm of McKinney & Bangs. Several years later, about 1844, he went to Brattleboro, Vt., for a brief time, and thence to Enfield, Mass. After a short interval spent in other places he finally returned in 1846 to Amherst, and has since resided in that place. In 1838 he engaged in business for himself as a cabinet-maker; and, with the exception of about two years, he followed it continuously until he retired from active participation in a mercantile life. After 1860 the business was conducted under the firm name of Marsh & Young for a number of years. His son, who afterward entered into partnership with him, when the father retired took full control of the business. His wife, Louisa Bartlett before marriage, who was born in Leverett, Mass., on October 30, 1822, bore him two sons: Edwin D. and Charles D. The latter died in childhood. Mr. Marsh and his wife are members of the Episcopal church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

Edwin D. Marsh received a good practical education in the common schools of Amherst. When fifteen years of age, he entered the hardware store of William Kellogg as clerk; and, after remaining with him two years, he worked a year for George Cutler. He next went to Springfield, Mass., where he was employed for three years. The four years following were spent in different places in the West. In 1869 he returned to Amherst, and, as already stated, was taken into partnership by his father, succeeding to the business in 1883. He still conducts the store, carrying a large stock of furniture, carpets, upholstery, and draperies. He is also engaged in the undertaking business. On February 22, 1871, his twenty-sixth birthday, he was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia G. Strickland, who was born in Lee, Mass. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a daughter, Nellie L. Marsh, who lives with her parents.

In politics Mr. Marsh is a Democrat. He has always taken a keen interest in his town, and has served most acceptably as Secretary of the Association for Village Improvement and Treasurer of the Amherst Cemetery Association. He is an attendant of the Congregational church, of which his wife is a member; and both are highly esteemed by all who know them.