Elias J. Marsh

Elias Joseph Marsh had been one of us for fourteen years when he died at seventy-four [sic: seventy-two]. He was a prominent citizen of New Jersey throughout his life. He was born and educated in Paterson, was graduated from the medical school of Columbia, and began the practice of medicine in St. Louis. He enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War in the Third New Jersey, serving his country as an army surgeon throughout its duration, being one of the first Northern invaders of seceded Virginia, and enjoying the rare eminence of carrying Grant’s orders to cease firing at Appomattox, the behest which closed the war. He had been once a prisoner and had served for a year on Sherman’s staff. Returning from his long and distinguished service he resumed the practice of his profession in his earliest home; and there he lived, an industrious servant of the public until the last. He was a leading spirit in two hospitals, President of the Board in one, and also of the Public Library, indefatigable in the work of the Sewer Commission, a supporter of several scientific organizations, and belonged to the Loyal Legion. He was likewise a member of two New York clubs, a favorite in both, and here, a congenial, intelligent, friendly spirit, giving much from his wide experience and stimulating in conversation a similar liberality in others.

William Milligan Sloane
1909 Century Association Yearbook