THOMAS S. MARSHALL, Cashier of the Salem National Bank, is a noted representative citizen, and a member of a family whose history was prominently identified with the upbuilding of this portion of Marion County.
His father, Benjamin Franklin Marshall, was born July 9. 1828, in Lincoln County, Tenn., and was the son of James Marshall, a native of Virginia.
Grandfather James Marshall came to Illinois about 1834, and locating in Salem, was one of the prominent merchants of the place for over a quarter of a century. Later removing to Texas, he died at Ft. Worth, in 1881.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Miss Harriet Regina Jennings, was born December 24, 1831, near Walnut Hill, Marion County, this state. She was the daughter of Charles W. and Maria (Davidson) Jennings, the former of whom was the son of Israel Jennings, one of the pioneers of this section. The parents of our subject were married in 1850, after which event they made their home in Salem.
On the outbreak of the Mexican War, Benjamin F. Marshall was made Second Lieutenant of the First Illinois Infantry, and after going to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., marched with his regiment across the great American desert to Santa Fe , N. Mex. He remained in the army during the entire period of the war, being in the regiment with General Martin, Judge Snyder, of Belleville, and John A. Logan.
Returning home the father of our subject engaged in the mercantile trade for a number of years, and in the meantime, having carried on his law studies, was admitted to the Bar.
Mr. Marshall was engaged in the practice of his profession until- the commencement of the Civil War, when he was elected Quartermaster, with the rank of First Lieutenant of the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry, which was organized at Camp Marshall, on the Salem fair grounds. B. F. Marshall participated in all the battles of his regiment until before Florence, Ala., when he was obliged to leave the service on account of illhealth.
Returning home he began the practice of law in partnership with Haynie & Gilbert, the firm name being Haynie, Marshall & Gilbert. The firstnamed gentleman was subsequently Adjutant-General of the state, and Mr. Gilbert is now a member of the law firm of Green & Gilbert, of Cairo.
In 1867 the father of our subject organized the Salem National Bank, of which he was unanimously chosen Cashier. He remained in that capacity for twenty-four years, or until his decease, which occurred March 14, 1891. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and aided greatly in the extension of religious work in the county. Socially, he was a Master Mason, and as an ardent temperance man was Treasurer of the Royal Templars' lodge, and voted the Prohibition ticket. He occupied the positions at different times of County Clerk, Circuit Clerk and County Judge. He was a very quiet, unassuming man, generous to a fault, and in the community where he so long made his home occupied a high position among its best residents. Mr. Marshall was always interested in schools, and when a member of the Board aided very materially in the erection of the fine school edifice.
The parental family included seven children, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Oscar S. and our subject. The latter was born August 19, 1864, in Salem, where he was graduated from the high school with the Class of '78. Later he entered the Southern Illinois Normal, and in 1881, when receiving his diploma, was the youngest student to complete the course of study in the institution, and was made valedictorian of his class. In the fall of that year it was his intention to enter Harvard or Yale, but on returning home during vacation he entered his father's bank, and was soon appointed Assistant Cashier, which position he held until the death of his father, when he was made Cashier. The bank has a paid-up capital of $50,000, and has had an exceptionally prosperous career, and is one of the most reliable in the state.
October 26, 1887, Thomas S. Marshall was united in marriage with Miss Ella M., daughter of Capt. James S. and Millie (Green) Jackson. Mrs. Marshall was born February 9, 1870, in Salem, and completed her education in the high school of the city, being graduated in 1887. By their union have been born two daughters, Eugenia Jackson and Mary Louise.
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in the congregation at Salem our subject is Trustee and Steward. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school for ten years and is very active in all the work of the church. He was President of the Epworth League for two years, and in 1893 was elected a delegate to the National League Convention, but was not permitted to attend.
Mr. Marshall is a very prominent man in this community, and besides being a School Director, was a member of the City Council for four years.
He is a Mason of high standing, and is connected with Marion Lodge No. 130, Salem Chapter No. 64, and Cyrene Commandery No. 23. He is Treasurer of the blue lodge and chapter, and a member of the Royal Templars. He has been Treasurer and Vice-Councilor of the Grand Council, and is at present Grand Councilor of the state.
In politics he votes the Prohibition ticket, and in 1892 was candidate for State Treasurer. He was a delegate to the National Prohibition Convention held at Indianapolis, Ind., to which body his wife was also a delegate, and also represented his party in 1892 at Cincinnati. He is Treasurer of the Salem Building and Loan Association, with which he has been connected since its organization. He is likewise Director of the Salem National Bank, and as one of the prominent and representative citizens of the county, we are pleased to herewith present his sketch to our readers.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 370 & 371
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer