Band History Andreas, History of Kansas

John B. Marshall

J. B. Marshall, contractor and builder, came to Kansas in 1871, from Canada West, and located in Topeka, where he has since resided. Was elected Councilman from the First ward in the spring of 1882. Was Band Master of the First Regiment Band, Kansas State Militia, which was organized in the city of Topeka in 1876, by Mr. Marshall, as a cornet band, and became attached to the First Regiment by an order of the governor, under the State Militia law in 1879. This band took the first prize at a band tournament of the Bismark fair, in September, 1880. It was in constant demand, and furnished music for all public demonstrations in all parts of the State. They met President Hayes at Neosha Falls, at the time he visited the State in the fall of 1880, and escorted the presidential party to Leavenworth. Mr. Marshall was born February 2, 1850, in Cornwall, England. Remained in his native country until he was about sixteen years of age, attending school and working at his trade, and came with an elder brother to Belleville, Hastings Co., Canada West. Remained there working at his trade. While in Canada Mr. M. occupied part of his time with band music, being a member and cornet player of the Fifteenth Battalion Band. Was married in 1874, at Topeka, Kan., to Miss Hilda Falk, a native of Kent, England, and has two children – Albert and Johnnie. Is a member of Kaw Valley Lodge, No. 209, A.O.U.W., Topeka, and is recorder of that lodge. Mr. M. is a heavy contractor, and employs from six to ten men.