Among the early settlers of Gilead was Daniel Marsh, who came to Michigan from the town of Clay, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1834. He was born in Erie Co., Pa., May, 1812, and while Daniel was yet a lad his father moved to Onondaga County, where he worked at day labor to support his family. As soon as Daniel was old enough he, too, was compelled to go out to work, and his earnings went to help support the family. His chances for an education were very limited, as he attended school but three months; still he was a great reader and a close observer, and in time fitted himself to do any ordinary business.
When he arrived in Michigan his worldly possessions consisted of fifty dollars in money and a half-interest in a yoke of oxen. In the spring of 1834 he entered the southeast quarter of northwest quarter section 18, in Gilead, and bought, second-handed, the northeast quarter of northwest quarter same section. The land was unimproved, but the energy and perseverance of Mr. Marsh soon overcame all obstacles, and the wilderness was made to "bloom as a rose."
Soon after his arrival he was married to Miss Mary Leverich, whose father was one of the first settlers in the township. She was born in Ohio, February, 1817. Their union has been blessed with four children as follows: Martha J., born Jan. 16, 1837; Cilicia A., born September, 1840; Lester M., born Oct. 6, 1845; and Alma S., born Aug. 4, 1855. All are now living. ...
