Person:John Marson (4)

J. W. MARSON, Groceries, etc., Nos. 244, 246, 248, 324 and 326 Main St. - Mr. Marson is a native of England, but came to this country when but a small boy. Although yet a young man (37 years of age), he has by his indefatigable will power and strict application to business attained a prominent position in commercial circles and stands to-day at the head of three important mercantile houses, conducted in his own name, and also holds a half interest in the house of Marson & Holderman, of this city. At No. 244 Main St. he occupies a spacious and conveniently arranged salesroom, 20x120 feet in dimensions, which is filled to its utmost storage capacity with a completely and carefully selected assortment of staple and fancy groceries, general culinary and domestic supplies, etc., joining this on the west is another salesroom of the same dimensions, conducted by Mr. Marson and devoted to the sale of china, crockery, glass and queensware, clocks, jewelry of all descriptions, solid silver and plated ware, table cutlery, mirrors, lamps, chandeliers, musical instruments, sewing machines, trunks, satchels, bird cages, chromos and miscellaneous merchandise pertaining to house furnishing supplies. The commodious salesroom next door west is occupied by Messrs. Marson and Holderman for the sale of agricultural implements, hardware, etc., and is also 20x120 feet in size. These stores are substantiality constructed of brick and connected by open archways, forming an immense TRIPLE SALESROOM, 60x120 feet in dimensions, with stocks in each department, which for completeness and desirability are not excelled by those of similar establishments in the metropolitan cities East or West. In addition to these model establishments, Mr. Marson also conducts a finely stocked grocery house at No. 324 and 326 Main St. The patronage of these establishments is derived not only from the better class of city customers but from the agricultural community within a radius of 25 miles, and the aggregate annual transactions of the three houses, exclusive of the agricultural implement department, is from $50,000 to $75,000.

John W. Marson, grocer and general dealer in hardware, was born in Wendsbury [sic], England, May 30, 1846, and the following August was brought to the United States by his parents, John and Elizabeth Marson. They remained in Cincinnati, Ohio, six years and in 1852 came to Cambridge City, Ind., where they still reside. Their family consisted of four boys and two girls.

John W. commenced life on his own account in partnership with Israel Morrey, under the firm name of Morrey & Marson, with whom he continued three years, when he sold his interest and soon embarked in the grocery business with his brother Martin, but at the end of a year bought his brother's interest. In 1878 Mr. Marson purchased Mr. Morrey's stock and established his business on the corner of Main and Foote streets, his stock consisting of groceries, queen's and glassware. He also established a store in the west part of Cambridge City, and in 1881 he started a store in Dunreith, Ind., his brother Martin having an interest in this store.

He owns three large stores connected by archways, the length of rooms being 120 feet. One part is devoted to jewelry, another part contains china, glass and queens ware, and the third room is filled with
hardware and agricultural implements.

Mr. Marson was married to Miss Labarteaux, a native of Henry County, Ind., and daughter of William Labarteaux., She died in 1878. Mr. Marson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and commandery.