Essex County NJ Archives Biographies.....William MARSHALL, 1848 - 1912 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nj/njfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 11, 2008, 6:15 am Author: Mary Depue Ogden, Editor (1917) MARSHALL, William, Manufacturer, Enterprising Citizen. The interest that attaches to the career of William Marshall, long known as a varnish manufacturer of Newark, is that which is always felt in the rise of a man to high and commanding position, when such estate is gained through the exercise of qualities of industry, foresight, judgment, and honor. That for thirty years Mr. Marshall held leading position in his line, combatting and overcoming worthy competition and almost ruinous trade conditions, was a triumph of business sagacity and executive ability, and his colleagues and associates rendered him the tribute of implicit faith and confidence. Distinguished as was his record in the world of business, his accomplishments wear greater lustre when placed by the side of his devoted service in nobler walks of life, his consecrated support of religious work, and the fine fraternal spirit he brought into his relations with his fellows. His life was one in which were blended virtues of strength and beauty, and his influence was ever a potent force on the side of right. He was born in Leith, Scotland, January 9, 1848, and that place was his home until 1848, when his parents moved to London. In London his education was obtained, and on April 13, 1859, a lad of eleven years, he began his activity in varnish manufacture, becoming employed in the establishment of John Edward Ives, member of the family which holds such an important place in the early history of varnish manufacture. He applied himself to the mastery of the art of varnish making with energetic industry, with results the full value of which did not show until later years. Not long after attaining his majority he left home, in 1870 journeying to Canada, obtaining a position in the Montreal house of R. C. Jamieson & Company, also varnish manufacturers, and in March, 1871, resigning his position with the Canadian concern to enter the employ of William Tilden Blodgett, who at that time was the largest manufacturer of varnish in the United States. Having thus supplemented his thorough English training with a study of the best American methods, Mr. Marshall established in independent operations in Newark, adopting the best of both systems, and from 1872 until his death continued as a manufacturer. The financial panic of 1873 was upon the country before he had little more than started his activities, but, with stout heart and hopeful vision, he met the distressing conditions everywhere prevalent at that time, and when confidence was once more restored in the world of trade the expansion of his business began. The purity and high quality of his products everywhere attracted favorable comment, and as the demand for his varnishes grew his prominence among manufacturers increased in the same measure. In 1890 Mr. Marshall relinquished the proud and independent position to which he had ascended in his line, and led in the organization of the Anglo-American Varnish Company, capitalized at $100,000, George M. Ballard and William F. Jackson becoming the principal officers of the new company as president and treasurer respectively. With the large means then at his command, Mr. Marshall directed a campaign of still greater expansion and development, new factories being erected to supply the wider markets reached, and exceptional prosperity attended all of the company's operations. During his entire active life Mr. Marshall remained in close touch with all departments of the business, and was able at any time to suggest more efficient methods in factory as well as in office, to converse with masterly knowledge with the chemists regarding . the proportions and strength of the ingredients of their products, or to point out exact defects in a grade of varnish brought to him for inspection. His reputation as an authority on varnish manufacture was widespread, and he was the much sought adviser of vehicle and furniture manufacturers who desired the best finish for their goods. One of his few outside business interests was as a director of the Asbury Park Trust Company, while through business channels he gained membership in the New York Railway Club, the Railway Business Men's Association, the New England Railroad Club, the Western Railroad Club, and associate membership in the Master Car and Locomotive Painters' Association of the United States and Canada. Mr. Marshall was also an interested and active member of the Newark, New Jersey, Board of Trade. During Mr. Marshall's long residence in Newark, where his important business interests were located, he became identified with many branches of the city life, discharging the duties of good citizenship with eager promptness but never entering public life. He was a loyal churchman, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal church, for a time a member of the congregation of St. Paul's, then uniting with Centenary, of which he was a member for eighteen years. His connection with this church was broken by his moving from the city in 1909 to his new residence at Asbury Park, New Jersey. In his new home Mr. Marshall at once was entrusted with weighty responsibilities, and at his death was a member of the official board of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and a trustee of the local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association. His death occurred December 1, 1912, and was mourned with loving sincerity by his friends of long standing in Newark and by those of Asbury Park newly bound to him by the graces of his personality and the rugged worth of his character. His remains were buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Newark, New Jersey. He married, in 1882, Ida Pendleton, of Newark, who survives him. Additional Comments: Extracted from: MEMORIAL CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF MARY DEPUE OGDEN VOLUME III MEMORIAL HISTORY COMPANY NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 1917 Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/nj/essex/bios/marshall-w.jpg This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/njfiles/ File size: 6.5 Kb This file is located at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nj/essex/bios/marshall-w.txt