William Marsland, merchant, was born in Ilion, New York, on September 12 1863, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Harris) Marsland, the former of whom was born in Stockport, England, and died in Ilion in 1872. He was associated with E. Remington & Sons and had charge of assembling small arms. He was a fine musician, played the violin and flute and was leader of an orchestra. He came to America when a mere child, with his parents, John and Eliza (Kent) Marsland, who settled in Middleville, Herkimer county, New York. John Marsland was born in Stockport, England, and was associated with the Kenyon Mills at Middleville as a textile expert. His wife was also born in England and died in Ilion. Elizabeth (Harris) Marsland, mother of William Marsland of this review, was born near Little Falls, New York, in February, 1840, and died in Ilion on September 12, 1916. She was the daughter of Amos and Catherine (Casler) Harris. Amos Harris, a carpenter and builder by trade, lived and died in Middleville, New York. He had two sons, Fred and Jacob, who served in the Civil war.
William Marsland was educated in the Ilion high school, and became associated with E. Remington & Sons in 1881, where he remained until November, 1911, when he severed his connection with the company, being at that time chief inspector of machines. He then started business for himself with a line of household furniture at No. 71 West Main street in Ilion, where he has remained.
Mr. Marsland was twice married. His first wife was Miss Maude Skinner, daughter of the late Samuel W. and Lydia (Pelton) Skinner. Mrs. Marsland died in Ilion on September 13, 1898. One child was born of this marriage, Elizabeth Lydia Marsland, whose natal day was June 12, 1896. She was graduated from Ilion high school in 1913 and from Syracuse University in 1920. On September 29, 1923, she was married to John M. Rowley of East Orange, New Jersey, an architectural engineer. On February 2, 1907, Mr. Marsland was married to Miss Mabel Ruth Cummings, who was born on October 30, 1874, the daughter of Cyrus M. and Caroline T. (LaMunion) Cummings. Cyrus M. Cummings was born in Oneida county, New York, on September 22, 1834, and died in Ilion, on December 3, 1914. He was a farmer and Civil war veteran and served three years in Company G, Sixty-second Regiment of Rockford, Illinois, Heavy Artillery. He was the son of Nicholas and Amelia (Gould) Cummings. Caroline T. (LaMunion) Cummings, mother of Mrs. Marsland, was born in Stockbridge, Madison county, New York, on March 5, 1841, and died in Munnsville, New York, on June 5, 1917. She was the daughter of Philip and Harriet (Holmes) LaMunion, and was educated at Cazenovia Seminary. Philip LaMunion was born near Hamilton, New York, in 1811, and died at Munsville in 1896, His wife was born in 1813 and died in 1873. The father of Philip LaMunion fought in Massachusetts during the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Marsland was graduated from the Cortland Normal School in 1902, then taught in Ilion public schools and elsewhere for twelve years. She is a member of the Mohawk Valley Chapter, No. 319, Daughters of American Revolution, and of the Travelers and Shakespeare Clubs, all of Ilion. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics is a republican.
Mr. Marsland belongs to Ilion Lodge, No. 591, F. & A. M.; Ilion Lodge, No. 1444, B. P. O. E.; Damon Lodge, No. 25, Knights of Pythias of Ilion, and past chancellor commander. He is president of the Shakespeare Club, member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and member of its official board. In politics he is a republican, and for diversion enjoys automobiling and country life. Mr. Marsland is widely and favorably known in the community where she resides, and is always ready to lend a hand in all matters pertaining to civic interest.