Marshall - Henry H.
Information from: Leon (Kansas) News Fri 11 April 1930 p 32
Almost gives one cold chills to contemplate that this man moved from our midst and literally helped make and promote the town of Leon, Kansas. Born in Fountain County in 1846 of North Carolinian parentage, he lived in Fountain County two years after his marriage to local gal, Mary Elwell. In 1871, they purchased a quarter section of land two miles northeast of Leon which was then a part of the Osage Indian Trust lands.
Peter Johnson sold Henry the acreage for $2,250. Being good bottom land, it leaped in value, of course. A school teacher in Indiana, Henry was into farming and stock raising. An interesting story of Henry's early life in Kansas was that he stood encased in his front door and easy shot deer, supplying his family with ample meat not even having to go out and hunt.
During the 1874 grasshopper devastation for that area, Henry was appointed a distributor of government supplies, and did such an amazing job, that everyone was highly satisfied.
Although Henry used many mules on his farm, he couldn't stand to see them put down, so he would pension them by having them "as well cared for as when they were useful!" In 1914 one passed away naturally at age 34 and two the next yer at 35.
Henry Marshall realized that land was the way to go and owned over 2,000 valuable acres in the long run. His beloved wife, Mary passed away in 1912.
Their children went on to make their parents so proud. Their oldest, Marshall was born in Jul 1870, knew more history of the town of Leon than probably anyone around. He married Eleanor Martin and ran a large lumber yard in Leon. One of his community loves was the Leon band and he served as director of that for quite sometime.
Next son of Henry and Mary (Elwell) Marshall was WIlliam Sherman, born Nov 1872, married Lynda Dedrick.
Following him was John A. Marshall born November 1874 married Belle Waldroff.
Then there were two daughters, Etta and Grace. Besides these children, The Marshalls raised Lucretia Zachary
One fine family !!