Marshall D. Bice, of Schoharie, dealer in gentlemen's furnishing goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes, in business on Main Street, was born in this town on June 1, 1837, son of Joshua and Jemima (Beadle) Bice. His grandfather, Aaron Bice, was a native of Holland. He came to New York in early manhood, lived for a time in Dutchess County, and subsequently removed to Schoharie, where he spent the last years of his life.
Joshua Bice, above named, who was born in Dutchess County, was brought up on a farm, and was early accustomed to farm work. He also learned the shoemaker's trade. He came to this town shortly after his marriage, and settled on a small farm which he carried on, engaging in shoemaking during his spare time. A man of great industry and very frugal, by degrees he added to his property till he was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres. He resided here sixty-two years in all, and died at the age of eighty-one. He was an old-fashioned, zealous Methodist, always active in church work, and was one of those who took a leading part in building the Methodist church edifice at East Cobleskill. He also took a warm interest in the Sunday-school. It is, said that in every-day life he applied the principles he professed to believe. His wife, Jemima, who also was an active church worker, was born in Dutchess County. They reared a family of thirteen children, only three of whom are living. These are: Levi M., Marshall D., and Asher.
Marshall D. Bice received a practical education in the public schools of Schoharie, and subsequently, at the age of sixteen, began his working life as clerk in the store of O. B. Throop in this village. Three years later he went to East Cobleskill, where for three years he was in partnership with his father. At the end of that time he removed to Cobleskill and started in business for himself, which he continued for two years. Going then to New York City, he was employed for two years in a wholesale hat store. This brought him up to the close of 1863, and in December of that year he enlisted in Company H of the Third New York Regiment of Cavalry. For a year he remained in New York Harbor at draft rendezvous; but at the end of that time he was appointed Lieutenant of a company of cavalry, and went to the front, joining his regiment at Petersburg. Later his company went to Norfolk to do general duty, and thence to North Carolina, where Mr. Bice was appointed a provost-marshal. Subsequently he was assistant provost-marshal at Norfolk, Va., and then Aide-de-camp on General Mann's staff. After being mustered out of the service in 1865, he remained at Norfolk, Va., for a year and a half, and was engaged in buying up government horses and mines at auction and selling them at private sale. In addition to this he carried on some mercantile business. He then received an appointment as United States Inspector of Spirits at Chicago, and went to that city. Returning to his native town at the end of nine months, he engaged in the general grocery and house furnishing business, which he continued for ten years, or up to 1894, when he purchased the block where he is now carrying on business. He put in a large stock of goods, and has met with all the success he could have hoped for.
Mr. Bice was married in 1879 to Melissa M. Jones, who was born in Duanesburg, N. Y. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been Constable for some years, also Overseer of the Poor, but has refused all other public offices. Forty years ago he joined Schoharie Valley Lodge, No. 491, F. & A. M., and he is at the present time the oldest member of this lodge. He has been Master for several years, and has filled all the other offices. In 1861 he joined the Chapter of Canajoharie, and in 1863 he joined the Masonic chapter at Cobleskill, being one of its charter members. He is a member of the Schoharie Lodge of Odd Fellows, and has for many years been connected with the fire department. Mr. Bice attends the Methodist church, and is a trustee of the society.