Union County NJ Archives Biographies.....Craig A. MARSH, 1856 - 1910
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 8, 2008, 8:17 am

Author: A. V. D. Honeyman (1917)

MARSH, Craig A.,
Distinguished Lawyer, Honored Citizen.

  A list of the well known men of New Jersey would be incomplete if it did not
contain a record of the late Craig Adams Marsh, who for more than twenty-eight
years served as Corporation Counsel of the city of Plainfield. As a man and as a
citizen he displayed a personal worth and an excellence of character that not
only commanded the respect of those with whom he associated, but won him the
warmest personal admiration and the staunchest friendships. The name Marsh was
prominent in Great Britain for many centuries before the discovery of America,
many of the name occupying positions of importance and honor. The arms of the
family is as follows: Gules, a horse's head couped argent, between three crosses
crosslet fitchee of the same. Crest: A griffin's head couped, ducally gorged or,
holding in the beak a rose, gules, leaved vert. Motto: Semper paratus.

  As early as 1174 a Sir Stephen Marsh, Lord of Newton, etc., in Norfolkshire,
is mentioned, and from that period onward the name among both "patricians and
plebeians" fills up a goodly share of space in the English and Scotch, and also
Irish records. At least six of the name, neither closely related to the other,
came to New England more than two centuries and a half ago to seek new homes
amid new surroundings and to broaden their field of activity, there being
greater possibilities in the New than the Old World, and at the present time
their descendants are to be found from Maine to California, many of them having
gained renown in the arts and sciences, in literature and law, in medicine and
statecraft, and in the Christian ministry.

  (I) Samuel Marsh, the progenitor of the line here under consideration, was
born about 1620, died in September, 1683. He was a resident of Essexshire,
England. The first mention of his name in this country was in the year 1641 when
his name appears on the Boston records, and about four years later he removed to
New Haven, Connecticut, where he resided for about twenty years, and then
removed to Elizabethtown, New Jersey. where he spent the remainder of his days.
On April 7, 1646, he was serving in the militia of New Haven, for it is stated
that because of sickness "his absence from traynings was accepted of the court
as a sufficient excuse." On May 2, 1648, he took the oath of "fidellitie" to the
government. When the English gained possession of New Jersey from the Dutch, he
took the oath of allegiance to the King (Charles II.) on February 16, 1665, and
his name appears, curiously, for pulling up the fence of one Richard Mitchell,
to whom the Governor had given a lot, but whose title to the same the town did
not acknowledge. Eight persons were included in the bill of indictment, the
charge being riot, and of course with the Governor, who was Carteret, on the
side of the prosecution, they were found guilty and each fined five pounds (the
chief culprit seven pounds) "to the use of His Majesty." They used no more force
than was necessary to remove what they considered an obstruction.

  After the removal of Mr. Marsh to Elizabethtown, he became one of the first
"Associates" of the town, and a man of property and responsibility, as we
frequently find him going on bonds for others. On November 30, 1676, he took out
a patent for two hundred and five acres of land in six parcels, including a
"house lot" of seven acres, and other parcels of respectively, eighteen, one
hundred, sixty, fourteen, and six acres, on the left bank of the Rahway river,
near Trembly Point. At the same time his son, Samuel, Jr., took out a patent at
Elizabeth Town for one hundred acres in three parcels, two of which were also on
the "Rahawak" (Rahway) river. In his will, dated June 10, 1683, probated
February 24, 1685, his widow Comfort, executrix, his residence is described as
"at Wawanday," which must have been a corruption of "Rahway."

  Mr. Marsh married, probably shortly after his arrival in New Haven, Comfort
(surname unknown), undoubtedly of Puritan ancestry. Children: Mary, born 1648,
probably died unmarried; Samuel, February 12, 1650, died 1684 or 1685, married
Mary Trimmins; Comfort, August 22, 1652, married Joseph Meeker; Hannah, July 22,
1655, probably died unmarried; Elizabeth, December 27, 1657; John, May 2, 1661,
married Elizabeth Clark or Clerk; Joseph, of whom further. These children were
identified with the original church established at Elizabeth-town at the time
the first settlers purchased their land there, which was Congregational or
Independent. Subsequently many of them became Presbyterians.

  (II) Joseph, third son and youngest child of Samuel and Comfort Marsh, was
born at New Haven, Connecticut, April 1, 1663, died in December, 1723. He
acquired a practical education in the schools of his day, and his active career
was devoted to the occupation of milling, and probably farming, conducting the
former occupation in such a way as to reap abundant reward. He was
public-spirited to the highest degree, ever forward in encouraging enterprises
which would advance the interests of his community, and in the year 1710 was
chosen to represent the county of Essex in the Assembly, performing his duties
in a meritorious manner. He married, about the year 1697, Sarah (perhaps Clark),
who bore him eight children, among whom was Samuel, of whom further. The will of
Mr. Marsh, which was proved December 21, 1723, mentioned his widow and six
children, and it also described him as "of Elizabeth Town," though residing near
the present Rahway.

  (III) Samuel (2), eldest son and second child of Joseph and Sarah Marsh, was
born near Rahway, New Jersey, about the year 1700, died about the year 1772. He
was reared and educated in the community in which he was born, residing there
throughout his entire lifetime, and his last residence, enclosed with shingles
fastened on with wrought nails. i.-- said to be still standing at the corner of
Main street and Elm avenue, in what was once known as "Bridgetown," or "Lower
Rahway." He took an active and prominent part in public affairs, and in 1740 was
one of the charter aldermen of Elizabeth Town, when that town took in a large
district of adjoining territory. He was a prominent member of the Woodbridge,
Rahway and Plainfield Monthly Meeting, presumably becoming a Quaker through the
influence of his wives, who were of that religious faith, his forbears having
been of the Congregational or Presbyterian denomination. He married (first) Mary
Shotwell, who died about 1741; married (second) Mary Shotwell, in 1743, and by
these two marriages to women of the same name became the father of fourteen
children, nine sons and five daughters, among whom was William, of whom further.

  (IV) William, third son and third child of Samuel (2) and Mary (Shotwell)
Marsh (the first wife), was born near Rahway, New Jersey, December 12, 1732,
died about October, 1792. He also was a Quaker in his church relations, although
little else is known of him, except that in 1753 he married Sarah, daughter of
William and Susanna (Cowperthwait) Webster, of Plainfield, New Jersey, who was a
Quaker, as was also her ancestors for many generations. According to the records
of the Woodbridge, Rahway and Plainfield Monthly Meetings, there were fourteen
children born to them, among whom was William, of whom further.

  (V) William (2), son of William (1) and Sarah (Webster) Marsh, was born near
Rahway, New Jersey, August 12, 1754. He spent his entire lifetime in the section
of the State wherein he was born, and his occupation was probably that of a
farmer. He may have been the "William Marsh of Essex county" who served in the
Revolutionary War. His life was one of usefulness and activity, during which he
strove most earnestly to fulfill every duty and responsibility, and having been
honorable in all his dealings with mankind, won the esteem of all with whom he
was brought in contact. He married, March 25, 1775, Sarah Frazee, who bore him
twelve children, among whom was Frazee, of whom further. She was of Presbyterian
ancestry, and the probability is that her husband also be came a Presbyterian.

  (VI) Frazee, youngest child of William (2) and Sarah (Frazee) Marsh, usually
known as "Captain Marsh," was born near Rahway, New Jersey, April 19, 1798, died
in Plainfield, New Jersey, February 28, 1874. He acquired a practical education
which thoroughly qualified him for an active and successful career, and a
keynote to his success was his executive force and mastery of detail in whatever
engaged his attention. He was an important factor in the development of
Plainfield, having been one of its prominent merchants, and probably the
greatest compliment that can be paid him is that he made himself an honor to the
commercial world, as well as a credit to the mercantile community in which he
resided. He was equally active and prominent in public life, frequently making
addresses upon political topics, and he held a State commission as captain of
the militia. He was a firm believer in education, and desired for others all the
knowledge they could secure. From one of his numerous preserved addresses on
that subject we quote these paragraphs to show his exalted style of language and
excellent reasoning powers:

  There was a time when knowledge was made the monopoly of a few; when it was
purposely concealed under the garb of monkish priestcraft, nursed in cloisters,
and dispensed to the people with a very sparing hand. But, thanks to high
heaven, thanks to the stern patriotism of our forefathers who gave us liberty,
those dark days of superstition have passed away, and it is now known that
knowledge, like gold, becomes the brighter the more it is handled. Knowledge has
also furnished us with the means of dispersing those thick clouds of ignorance
which so long enslaved the human mind. When the voice of the tempest is up, and
hill speaks to hill in vibrating thunder, instead of imagining we are visited by
the judgments of a vindictive Being, the student of nature, the man of a
cultivated mind, beholds only a beautiful Benefactor; views Him destroying the
noxious vapors of disease, purifying the air for the use of His creatures,
flinging over earth a freshened verdure, and scattering new odors from  every
flower.

  Thus to the man of a cultivated mind, every flower, every leaf, every pebble,
may become tutors in the great school of Nature to instruct the mind and improve
the heart. The day has now arrived when he whom wishes to learn hardly needs a
master, for with only this assistance some of the greatest scholars and
philosophers have formed themselves.

  But, to obtain this preeminence, we must expect to use exertion. Without it as
well might the hapless herdsman, whose hut is in the pathway of the thundering
avalanche, hope that the ponderous mass might be stayed in its midway career. .
. . Knowledge is not inherited from parents, nor is it the gift of high birth or
great wealth, but the result of our great endeavors.

  Mr. Marsh's views on slavery, afterward also held by his son Warren, were well
expressed in the closing paragraphs of an address on that theme delivered in 1855:

  We are often told that should we let the slave go free it would render the
master poor. I would say then, better be poor than unjust; better beg than
steal; better die than tramp on a fellow-being and reduce him to a brute for
selfish purposes. For we have been assured by Him who cannot lie that it will
profit a man but little to gain the whole world and lose his own soul.

  The following was spoken of Mr. Marsh by his grandson, Craig A. Marsh:

  He wielded a trenchant pen in the discussion of public questions in the press,
and at a time when it required courage and independence in a high degree to do
it, because it threatened loss of business, and social hostilities; he
contributed weighty arguments against the then recognized national institution
of slavery. He was self-made, but nevertheless a scholar. When he asked one of
his grandchildren who was home from college on a vacation, how high a flag pole
was that cast a shadow of fifteen feet at high noon in the latitude of
Plainfield, and the young sophomore said that he could figure it out by
trigonometry and the table of logarithms, but that he had not brought the book
home with him, the old gentleman took a scrap of paper, figured out the height
of the flag pole by the rule of three, and quietly remarked: "I never had a
college education, but I don't think I missed much if you can't use it without
carrying the books around with you."

  Mr. Marsh married, November 6, 1818, Phebe, born 1791, died December 2, 1859,
daughter of Aaron and Lydia Tucker. She bore him seven children, among whom was
Warren, of whom further. Mr. Marsh married (second) September 8, 1861, Mary,
daughter of David and Harriet Van Kirk. No children.

  (VII) Warren, third child of Frazee and Phebe (Tucker) Marsh, was born at
Short Hills, south of Plainfield, New Jersey, February 28, 1824, died in
Plain-field, January 12, 1898. He was educated in the public schools of
Plainfield, and later added considerably to the knowledge thus gained by reading
and observation. In his early career he met with obstacles which to others less
hopeful and less courageous would seem unsur-mountable, but by perseverance and
industry he overcame them and gained for himself a position among the prominent
and influential business men of Plainfield. He was one of the leading
contractors and builders in that city, retiring from active business some
fifteen years prior to his death. During his active career many of the principal
buildings of Plainfield were put up under his direction. About the year 1855 he
built at 45 (now 301-303) East Third street, then a fine residential street, the
first brick dwelling erected in Plainfield, which was commodious and attractive,
and which was occupied by him until about the year 1889, when he purchased a
house at 340 Franklin Place, where he resided until his death. The property is
still owned by his heirs.

  To a natural dignity of manner, Mr. Marsh added a geniality that won him hosts
of friends and made him welcome everywhere. He was a man of strongly marked
characteristics, was thoroughly optimistic in his views, of absolute loyalty to
friends and kindred, hospitable and generous, with a ready sympathy for those in
affliction or need. He was a man of few words, but was positive in his
convictions, which were generally right. A clear evidence of this is the fact
that during the excitement of the early abolition days preceding the Civil War,
he consistently voted for men for high office who favored the abolition of
slavery. He was a member of Jerusalem Lodge, No. 26, Free and Accepted Masons,
in which he served as master.

  Mr. Marsh married (first) Ann Eliza, born May 2, 1823, died March 25, 1852,
daughter of Jeptha Holton, of Plainfield. He married (second) December 22, 1855,
Kate Harned, born in New York City, May 1, 1838, died July 30, 1905, daughter of
Thomas R. Adams, of New York City. Children: Craig Adams, of whom further;
Warren Henry, who resides in Plainfield; Ada Grace, who resides in Plainfield,
unmarried. Mrs. Marsh was a woman of independent spirit, lofty courage and
unusual intelligence, as shown by her brilliant conversation and her various
contributions to the press. Amid the usual cares of her early married life she
always found time to read good books, and from the first she was interested in
those things which she knew would give her children superior advantages in life.

  (VIII) Craig Adams, eldest son of Warren and Kate Harned (Adams) Marsh, was
born in Plainfield, New Jersey, December 8, 1856, died there November 12, 1910.
He attended the public school of Plainfield, graduating from the high school in
1872, in his sixteenth year. His mind turned to Princeton as an educational
institution which he should like to make his alma mater, but his chief preceptor
suggested he should enter Union College at Schenectady, New York, this preceptor
being himself a graduate of that institution. Having sent his name to Union
College, and being informed that he was too young to enter, he concluded to
spend one year more in a postgraduate course in the high school, which proved to
his advantage, as it enabled him to enter Union as a sophomore. Some of his
classmates who have made reputations for themselves in the world were: James R.
Truax, Ph. D., who became instructor in Languages and Literature in Union
College; Rev. John W. Doremus, of Bryan, Texas; Mr. Homer Greene, of Honesdale,
Pennsylvania; Mr. Frank Tweedy, of Washington, D. C.; Rev. Dr. A. V. V. Raymond,
later president of Union College; the late Rev. Dr. John G. Lansing, professor
in Rutgers College, and Mr. Justice William G. Rudd, of Albany, New York. Whiie
a student in the high school he was fond of athletics, in which he excelled, and
this fondness followed him at Union, where he was captain of the college
baseball nine, and not only became an expert player, but won the "President's
prize" for best ball playing. At college he became a member of the Alpha Delta
Phi fraternity. He was elected respondent by the "House of Representatives" for
the anniversary exercises in June, 1875, and was chosen orator for class day at
the graduation, when his standing in his class was ninety-five, an unusual mark
of scholarship.

  When Mr. Marsh graduated from Union College in 1876, he was not decided as to
whether he would enter the ministry or study law, but after careful deliberation
he chose the law. He entered the office of Dodd & Ackerman, of Newark, the
senior partner, Hon. Amzi Dodd. having served as Vice-Chancellor of New Jersey
from 1871 to 1875, and again from 1881 to 1882. After spending one year in this
office he entered Columbia Law School in New York City, in 1877, and was
graduated therefrom with the degree of Bachelor of Arts on May 14, 1879, after a
two years' course. During his course at the law school his eyes became weak from
overuse, and then he found his wife (having married in the meantime) his best
helpmeet in a situation which he had not expected. She read to him law book
after law book, case after case, while he listened and absorbed the common law,
statutes, opinions and court dicta. It proved a source of enjoyment to both, and
enabled him to complete his course in the required time.

  After his graduation from Columbia Law School, he entered the offices of
Suydam & Jackson, in Plainfield, where he remained for a few months. He was
admitted to the New Jersey bar at the November term of the Supreme Court, 1879,
as an attorney-at-law. Shortly afterward he opened an office for the practice of
his profession in the Dunlap building, where he remained for many years. He soon
was in receipt of a good practice, which steadily increased in volume and
importance, due to the fact that he achieved success in the justices' courts and
in the Union circuit. Mr. Marsh early acquired a reputation for successfully
defending alleged criminals. He did this often in the city police court, but
also in the higher State courts, and at various times in the Federal courts at
Trenton and in New York City. He had a great horror of unjust convictions in the
criminal courts, and a most hearty contempt for sensational petitions. Among the
press clippings which he preserved at the beginning of his practice and carried
about in his pocket were two which greatly impressed him. The first may in part
account for the earnestness and vigor with which he always so endeavored to
defend a client as to make sure the jury would give heed to a "reasonable
doubt," and not convict an innocent man of a crime. The second was upon the
great ease with which petitions could be procured, and it aided to prove to him
that they were of no real significance, especially in criminal cases. During his
early years of practice he had several students who admired him both as teacher
and friend.

  The rapidity with which Mr. Marsh rose in his profession, so far as admission
to the various courts and the highest appointments within the gift of his native
city would indicate, may be best gathered from the following dates: He was sworn
in as an attorney on November 6, 1879. Three years later, at the corresponding
term of court, which was at the earliest possible moment under the rules of the
court, he was admitted as counsellor. Nine months previous to this, however, on
February 6, 1882, he was appointed a Master in Chancery by Chancellor Runyon. On
May 1, 1882, after but two and one-half years practice, he was appointed
Corporation Counsel of the city of Plainfield, a position he retained through
all administrations, Republican, Democratic, Independent and Prohibitionist,
until his decease. On February 20, 1883, he was appointed Supreme Court
Commissioner, which authorized him to take testimony upon reference. On December
15, 1886, he was admitted to practice before the Circuit Court of the United
States for the District of New York. On March 15, 1887, he was admitted to
practice before the Circuit Court of the United States for the Third Circuit,
including New Jersey, and also the United States District Court, District of New
Jersey. He was also a Special Master in Chancery. He also received the degree of
Master of Arts from his alma mater, June 14, 1885.

  Mr. Marsh was only twenty-five years of age when he was appointed Corporation
Counsel of the city of Plainfield by Hon. L. V. F. Randolph, who was then mayor.
Undoubtedly he was the youngest man ever appointed to the responsible position
of Corporation Counsel in any city in the State of New Jersey, and few have
received such an appointment when they were simply attorneys and not
counsellors. But the result justified the appointment to a remarkable degree.
From the outset his written legal opinions to the municipal body were brief or
lengthy, as the occasion demanded; were lucid, were exact, and were always
accepted as correct law. The questions submitted to him for his determination in
writing by the Common Council were numerous and varying, and they concerned the
acceptance and regulation  of dedicated property, assessment and revocation of
taxes, terms and duties of the city officials, extra compensations of officials,
authority of the city over shade trees in the streets, the powers of council
over the liquor question, duties of election officers, power to sprinkle streets
at public expense, the legality of votes when the voters had temporarily removed
their residence, and hundreds of similar questions, many of which required
tedious and exhaustive consideration. It is doubtful if any other counsel in the
State ever had more puzzling questions to settle, or gave as close attention to
the duties of the office. Besides his numerous written opinions, he was
constantly called upon by the various city officials, chairmen of committees and
heads of departments, including the Chief of Police, for instructions upon
almost every conceivable municipal topic. Their rule of conduct in cases of
doubt was invariably that which was laid down to them explicitly by the
Corporation Counsel. He also was interviewed on all manner of interesting public
questions by the reporters of the press. During the first five years of his
counselship he attended all meetings of the "City Fathers," but afterward,
finding it was too much of a drain upon his time, and not based upon any
necessity, he only attended meetings under a previous arrangement, or when sent
for. Summing up his conduct in the office of counsel of his native city, it
clearly appears that in the advice he tendered, and in the dignified,
straightforward course he pursued, he always did that which he believed to be
for the best interests of the municipality and its citizens, while doing
injustice to no one, and  that he could not tolerate even the suspicion of
performing a dishonorable official act. It is said of him that he had
accomplished as much as many accomplish at eighty years of age.

  Mr. Marsh, needless to say, exerted a great influence on the affairs of his
native city; his work was widely extended, and although he has passed on from
the scene of his earthly labor his influence is felt and recognized. He was
public-spirited and progressive, ever ready to forward a movement that tended
toward morality, always anxious that right principles in politics and
citizenship should be in the ascendant, always mindful of those little
attentions to the older members of the bar to whom he looked as ensamples of
cultured intelligence, always eager to increase the standards of professional
character among young attorneys. Upon the announcement at the legislative
session of 1892 that a bill was introduced to legalize race-track gambling and
that it would probably pass, Mr. Marsh, with the late Rev. E. M. Rodman and one
or two others, called a public meeting at Music Hall, Plainfield, which was
presided over by Mayor Gilbert, and at it Mr. Marsh spoke with a fearlessness,
vigor and burning eloquence that he seldom, if ever, surpassed. But the act
passed, and there was nothing to do save wait another year, and then if possible
elect such men to the legislature as would secure its repeal. Accordingly the
Plainfield Branch of the State Citizens' League was organized, and Mr.
Marsh prepared its constitution and was one of the active members of its
executive committee. In 1904 Mr. Marsh was elected president of the Union County
Bar Association, was reelected in 1905, and in 1906 declined to allow his name
to be used. Notwithstanding this, he was unanimously elected and served for the
year 1906. He was a charter member of the State Bar Association; during the
years from 1901 to 1906 he served as a member, and later as chairman of the
committee on admissions, on the committee for the improvement of the judicial
system, and on the committee on legal education. In 1906-07 he was a member of
the board of directors, and from 1908 to 1909 he was second vice-president. From
then until his death he was on the special committee upon the judiciary
amendments, and the committee on ethics and grievances. He was a member of the
Union County Lincoln Association, and a member of its executive committee. A
large number of clubs and associations were incorporated through Mr. Marsh, who
prepared the necessary papers. In 1881, when the Plainfield Public Library was
formed, Mr. Marsh was one of its first board of directors. He was interested in
the public park of the city, and the Town Improvement Association, of whose
advisory committee he was a member, also had his earnest support, and his
contribution of time, thought and money. So did the Children's Home, Muhlenberg
Hospital, and other similar institutions. He was a member of Anchor Lodge, No.
149, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he was installed May 25, 1886, passed
October 26, 1886, raised November 23, 1886; made senior deacon, 1888; senior
warden, 1889; worshipful master, January 14, 1890; retired and became past
worshipful master, December 28, 1890. On February 23, 1892, he was presented by
the lodge with an elaborate and costly jewel accompanied by an apron. He was
made a thirty-second degree Mason, January 7, 1888. He was also a member of the
Plainfield High School Alumni Association, Union College and Columbia Law School
Alumni associations, City Bar Association of Plainfield, International Law
Association, New York Law Institute, Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, Plainfield,
Watchung Hunt, Riding and Driving, Park and Sangerbund clubs, Mattano Club of
Elizabeth, Citizens' League, State Charities Aid Association, Plainfield Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Plainfield Young Men's Christian
Association and the McAll Mission. In politics he was always a Republican.

  Mr. Marsh was a personal friend and admirer of Rev. Dr. A. V. V. Raymond, when
the latter was pastor of Trinity Reformed Church, Plainfield, the friendship
dating from their college days at Schenectady. Previous to Dr. Raymond's call to
Plainfield in 1881, Mr. Marsh had gone to the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian
Church, of which his mother was a member and in which he was baptized as a
child, but he then felt it incumbent to change to Trinity, and he continued to
attend there until Dr. Raymond went to Albany, in 1887. Then he immediately
returned to the Crescent Avenue Church, and continued to worship there until his
death, and was a most faithful attendant upon its services. His reading, aside
from the law, was always of an elevating character, and of all the poets,
Shakespeare easily stood first in his affections. He was a careful reader of
good newspapers, and from his college days cut out the best articles and
preserved them. He was a lover of good music, had a natural ear for music, and
possessed a fine bass voice, and was a fine performer on the flute. The
recreation from which he received most pleasure in later years was that of
horseback riding, which he felt was the means of greatly benefitting his health.

  Mr. Marsh married, January 10, 1877, Mary Catherine, daughter of Ransom
Baldwin and Elizabeth Ann (Winne) Moore, formerly of Troy, New York, where she
was born, although then residing at Olivet, Michigan. Mr. Moore was a publisher
in Troy, the firm in 1851 being Merriam & Moore. Later Mr. Merriam left the
firm, and Mr. Moore continued the business under the name of Moore & Nimes,
until 1869. This was the first firm to manufacture terrestrial and celestial
globes. In 1870 Mr. Moore removed to Michigan, and there established a private
banking house. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh were the parents of one child, Craig Adams
Jr., born March 3, 1878, died July 9, 1879.

  Upon the death of Mr. Marsh, which occurred November 12, 1910, in
commemoration of his life and professional character, and as a recognition of
his faithful service, a proclamation was issued by the mayor that the public
buildings be draped for thirty days, and official action was also taken by the
common council and many other public bodies. The press of the city and State
published editorial tributes, and many expressions of regret and appreciation of
his personal worth and fidelity to his trust were received from members of the
bar and others. Letters were received from ex-Chancellor William J. Magie,
ex-Justice Bennet Van Syckel, ex-Justice Gilbert Collins, Judge Benjamin A.
Vail, Judge Edward S. Atwater, Vice-Chancellor Frederic W. Stevens, Hon. John
Ulrich, Mr. Joseph C. Allen, Mr. Richard V. Lindabury, Mr. Frank Bergen, Mr.
Halsey M. Barrett, Mr. Jackson E. Reynolds. ex-Mayor John H. Van Winkle, Mr.
George S. Clay, Justice William P. Rudd, ex-Mayor L. V. F. Randolph, ex-Mayor
Alexander Gilbert, ex-Mayor William L. Saunders and Rev. Charles A. Eaton, D. D.
Personal letters were also received from Mayor Charles J. Fisk, Dr. George W.
Endicott, Mr. E. E. Phillips, Hon. S. S. Swackhamer, President Charles A.
Richmond, Hon. Bartow S. Weeks, Justice Samuel Kalisch, Hon. Henry C. Pitney,
ex-Justice Van Syckel, ex-Justice Gilbert Collins, Hon. P. R. von Mindon, Mr. F.
J. Hubbard, Mr. James L. Griggs and Mrs. Dempsey. The following is the tribute
of respect from ex-Chancellor William J. Magie:

  When Mr. Marsh came to the bar, he had the good sense to perceive that he did
not know all the law. He therefore entered upon a course of systematic reading
and study, which, he has told me, he continued to do even in the midst of his
active practice. He thus acquired an extensive knowledge of legal principles. He
possessed the tact and acquired the facility of applying those principles in the
actual conduct of affairs, and particularly to the facts of the cases in which
he was employed. When his clients discovered his sound knowledge and his ability
in managing their affairs, success came to him almost at once. It came so
rapidly that it might have overwhelmed a less methodical and industrious man.
That was not the case with him.

  No pressure of business ever permitted him to appear before any Court with a
case unprepared. He disclosed in every case that he not only familiarized
himself with the points on which he could rely, but he was prepared to meet the
points which his opponent might present. He, therefore, early obtained what is
sometimes called "the ear of the Court," by which I mean no favoritism or
partiality of the Judges but their feeling that, when he presented a case, what
he said was entitled to consideration.

  He had not only convictions, but the courage of his convictions. He was not
shaken by the arguments of his opponents or even by the suggestions of the
Court. He maintained his positions with courteous persistence, but if the Court
ruled against him he submitted with dignity. With his natural ability, his
acquired knowledge and his diligence, he attained a position among the foremost
of the Bar of the whole State.

  I have not infrequently called the attention of students at law and the
younger members of the Bar to the career of Mr. Marsh as an example which they
might well follow. When he had attained success and established an excellent
practice, he did not leave the place of his birth and residence for any great
city. He remained among his own people, and, under those circumstances, built up
a practice of which he had reason to be proud, and which, no doubt, was as
remunerative as the average practice of the leading lawyers in the great cities,
when the increase of expense is taken into consideration. His continued
residence in Plainfield further enabled him to exercise a valuable influence in
the management of the affairs of the community, which is rarely if ever obtained
by a lawyer in the hurry of practice in a large city.

  Mr. Marsh was essentially a high-minded man. He did not think or act in a
narrow way. He brought every question to the test of probity and honor, and no
one ever met him without feeling that he was a man to be implicitly trusted.

  The following is a tribute from ex-Justice Gilbert Collins:

  I came to know Craig A. Marsh soon after his admission to the Bar, and watched
his career with interest. Meeting him frequently when we were both in attendance
at the Courts of Trenton waiting for causes to come on for argument, our
acquaintance soon developed into a friendship which strengthened with the
passing years. I met him both as opposing and as associate counsel in
litigation, and acquired a great respect for his ability as a lawyer, which was
tested when we were associates. One is prone to overestimate an adversary; but
association brings out the strength or weakness of a colleague. Later, I had the
opportunity to observe Mr. Marsh from a judicial point of view, and still later,
upon my return to the practice of the law, I was thrown with him considerably in
the maturity of his powers.

  The keynote of his work as a lawyer was its thoroughness. He considered a
legal question in every aspect, and overlooked nothing that could bear upon it.
After he had decided to accept a client's retainer, he spared no effort for
effective service. His preparation, either for attack or defense, was
remarkable. I never knew him to be taken unawares in the trial of a cause; every
movement of his opponent was anticipated, and he was ready with his response. If
anything, he was too particular in preparation for a trial or hearing, and in
conducting it, thus entailing undue strain upon the nervous force. I remember
hearing an associate on the Bench say of him: "Mr. Marsh tries his cases with a
microscope." This was not intended for disparagement, for the same Judge had a
very high estimate of the ability of Mr. Marsh, and once, when an appointment of
Vice Chancellor was in contemplation, I heard him say that if he had the
selection Mr. Marsh would be his choice.

  In his non-professional life also, Mr. Marsh was admirable. A good citizen, a
tender husband, benevolent and public-spirited, he worthily filled a place in a
community where much is exacted from those who would win honor and affection. He
was a man of varied culture and experience, not confined to the somewhat narrow
lines of his profession. Despite his busy life, he found time for his annual
vacation abroad, and enjoyed it to the utmost.

  Altogether he was a man who filled out the measure of life in its fullness,
and his early taking-off is much to be deplored.

  The following is a tribute from Mr. Richard V. Lindabury:

  I admired Mr. Marsh very much, not only on account of his high character, but
for his legal ability, which I considered of the first order. Indeed, he was
second to none as an advocate in this State. If Mr. Marsh had gone out into the
larger fields of legal practice, he would have taken rank in the public
estimation with the best lawyers in the country.

  The following is an extract from the personal letter of Hon. Henry C. Pitney:

  I esteemed him as one of my most cherished friends. Of late years I have not
been in the way of seeing him often, but I have a delightful recollection of a
short visit with him just before he took his annual trip abroad in 1909, as well
as our several social meetings in London. He has left the memory of a
well-spent, honorable life.

  The foregoing sketch was compiled from the book entitled "Life of Craig A.
Marsh," written by A. V. D. Honeyman, editor of the New Jersey Law Journal.


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 (Craig Marsh): http://www.usgwarchives.net/nj/union/bios/marsh-ca.jpg
Photo (His Wife): http://www.usgwarchives.net/nj/union/bios/marsh-c.jpg

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