Donald Kirk Marchand Bio
Monongalia Co. WV


The History of West Virginia, Old and New
Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc.,
Chicago and New York, Volume II

pg 198

Donald Kirk Marchand, vice president of the Morgantown Real Estate Board, 
took up railroad work after he completed his education, but a few years later 
resigned and entered real estate and insurance, a field in which his 
abilities have brought him pronounced success.

Mr. Marchand, who is one of the most progressive citizens of Morgantown, was 
born at Manor in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1885, son of 
Samuel R. and Elizabeth (Branthoover) Marchand.  His father was of French and 
his mother of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry.  Samuel R. Marchand moved with his 
family to Connellsville, Pennsylvania, in 1891.  His active career was spent 
in the drug business, and he was a druggist at Connellsville until his death 
in 1899.  His wife was born in 1867 and died in 1919.  They had two children, 
both now living at Morgantown, Miss Garnett and Donald K.

Donald K. Marchand grew up at Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and after 
graduating from the high school there in 1903 entered the service of the 
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company as an assistant ticket agent.  In 1906 he 
was promoted to ticket agent for that line at Morgantown, and continued his 
duties until 1909, when he entered the insurance and real estate business.  
He built up a large volume of business in both lines and continued alone 
until February 1, 1920, when he was joined by Alva L. Hartley, making the 
firm Marchand & Hartley.  This firm writes fire, life and every other class 
of insurance, handles city and suburban real estate and coal lands, and they 
have excellent facilities for thorough service in all these departments.

Mr. Marchand takes a deep interest in all the civic affairs of his community. 
  He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club in addition 
to his official relation with the Real Estate Board.  Fraternally he is 
affiliated with Athens Lodge No. 36, Knights of Pythias, and Morgantown Lodge 
No. 411, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church.  Mr. Marchand married Edna Wall, daughter of J. L. Wall 
of Morgantown.  At her death she was survived by two daughters, Rosalee and 
Dorothy.