Brief biographies of the figurines on display in ... - University Library

24
MRS. JOHN MARSHALL
(Almira Leech)
Almira Leech Marshall was born in Louisville, Kentucky,
February 21, 1787, <strong>the</strong> daughter <strong>of</strong> George and
Achsah Applegate Leech. In 1782, Mr. and Mrs. Leech,
with o<strong>the</strong>rs, removed from Philadelphia to Louisville,
Kentucky. Later <strong>the</strong>y went to Yincennes, and were
among <strong>the</strong> early white settlers.
Almira was married to John Marshall, October 21,
1806, her fa<strong>the</strong>r, Judge Leech, <strong>of</strong>ficiating. Soon after
<strong>the</strong>ir marriage <strong>the</strong>y came to Illinois, but Mrs. Marshall
was not satisfied, as she considered <strong>the</strong> people so wicked,
and <strong>the</strong> following March <strong>the</strong>y returned to Vincennes.
Later, <strong>the</strong>y moved to <strong>the</strong>ir farm, and finally, to Shawneetown
where Mr. Marshall opened a general merchandise
store.
They built <strong>the</strong> first brick house in town, a large residence
facing <strong>the</strong> Ohio river, and here <strong>the</strong>y entertained
many prominent people. Mr. Marshall also conducted
a bank in <strong>the</strong> front room <strong>of</strong> his residence, which was <strong>the</strong>
first bank in Illinois.
Mrs. Marshall was very devout, even as a young girl.
She loved to sing <strong>the</strong> old hymns, and in her youth memorized
many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, as well as whole chapters <strong>of</strong> her
Bible. She felt <strong>the</strong> need <strong>of</strong> a church in Shawneetown,
and through her untiring efforts a church was built, and
in 1827 was organized by Rev. B. F. Spillman, and <strong>the</strong>
first communion was administered.
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall had seven children. Mrs.
Marshall died at <strong>the</strong> home <strong>of</strong> her son, John, near Carmi,
Illinois, August 18, 1864, and is buried beside her husband,
in Westwood Cemetery, Shawneetown, Illinois.