The Oregon-California Trail carried more than 100,000 settlers west over the prairies of the future state of Kansas in the mid-1800s. Pioneers and Pony Express riders crossed the Big Blue River at Independence Crossing or at Frank Marshalls ferry near present-day Marysville. In 1846, members of the Donner Party discovered and named Alcove Spring, now one of 20 county sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Kansas Territorial Legislature established Marshall County in 1855. After the Civil War, rich soil and abundant water attracted farmers, and its location attracted railroads and industry. Today, the same occupations still sustain the 16 towns and villages. As the Gateway to the Flint Hills, the countys rolling hills are dotted with picturesque prairie, woods, limestone outcrops, rivers, and creeks. Even though the county is a crossroads for modern highways US 36 and US 77, pioneer wagon ruts are still visible in Marshall County.

The Guntersville Democrat was not the first newspaper to be published in Marshall County, but is the one most complete from the 19th Century. It was first published in October of 1880 by a Gadsden newspaperman, William M. Meeks. Over the years, it chronicled much of the early history of Marshall County. This second book in the series attempts to capture mentions of births, marriages, deaths and obituaries It also reproduces items of interest and importance in the development of the county--all with a full name index. In this volume you can find reports of the Marshall County Gold Mine, a haunted house, long lists of Confederate soldiers, the completion of the Tennessee and Coosa Railroad, and many other items of historical and genealogical significance. The early history of Marshall County is written on the pages of its newspapers. This book will be valuable to any student of the history and genealogy of Marshall County.

Marshall County lies at the historic, cultural, and economic crossroads of West Virginia, bounded by the Ohio River to the west, Mason-Dixon Line to the south, Pennsylvania to the east, and the city of Wheeling to the north. Its rich history began over two millennia ago when the Adena people constructed the world-famous Grave Creek Mound in Moundsville. After European settlers arrived, farms gave way to railroads and factories, and Marshall County became a regional hub for manufacturing as well as the site of the notorious West Virginia Penitentiary. Today, the area is enjoying a renaissance as people rediscover Marshall County's unique history, beautiful landscapes, and hospitable traditions.

A scarce Iowa local history. Contains a history of the county, a business directory, and discussions of Le Grand, Timber Creek, Iowa, and Marietta Townships.