The bandstand at Phelps Park in Decorah, June 3, 1930. Ben and Bertha Tobiason Marsh, nephew Bert and Alice Jacobson Arneson visiting from Chicago. Nephew Arthur and Sylvia Mikelson Arneson and son Marcus from Clarkfield, Minn, and Bertha's sister Julia Tobiason Gjermo of Decorah.

band music, holding copyrights for lots of music. Ben led the Decorah City Band and was mayor of Decorah. Dec 1910 Clarence Arneson and his bride Clara (Slach) stayed at the Marsh home on their wedding trip. Ben’s wrestler brother Ole Marsh was also there. Clarence helped run the printing press.

Marsh, Carl O. and Margaret (Backhaus)

(Margaret Marsh)

Carl Oliver Marsh was born 26 May 1913 at Brownsville, NE, the son of Cassius Henry Marsh who was born at Brownsville and Retta Jane (Hairgrove) Marsh, born in Jacksonville, IL. Both parents were of English ancestry. Margaret L. Backhaus was born 20 Sep 1913 at Garnavillo, IA, the daughter of August Gerhard and Emma Margaret (Meier) Backhaus, both born at Garnavillo. Both parents were of German ancestry.

Carl and Margaret were married 29 Jun 1935 at Garnavillo. They farmed for 9 years in southern Minnesota. In 1945 they moved to Section 28 of Bloomfield Twp., Winneshiek Co., IA. Their home is 1/2 mile east of Castalia. Carl and Margaret are parents of 3 sons: Richard, Donald and Leland.

Richard O.  married Nancy Laflin of Macomb, IL. They had 3 children: Scott (deceased); Heidi (deceased); and Stephanie. Stephanie married Scott Taylor and has a son Scott Thomas Taylor. Richard “Dick” Marsh lives in California. Donald L. married Patricia Phillips of Denver, CO. They have 2 children: Landon and Marissa. Donald lives in Denver. Leland C.  married Sandra Puls of Dubuque, IA. They have 3 sons: Erick, Zachary, and Michael. Leland and his family farm the Marsh family farm. They live near Castalia in Winneshiek Co.

Carl Marsh served for many years on the school board of the Postville Community School. Carl and Margaret are members of the Presbyterian Church in Postville. They retired from active farming in 1968 and now reside in their home on a small part of their farm.

Marsh, Leland and Sandra (Puls)

(Sandra Marsh)

Leland C. “Lee" Marsh was born to Carl 0. and Margaret (Backhaus) Marsh. Leland attended school in Castalia, IA until the school closed. He then attended the Postville Community School and graduated from Postville High School and Upper Iowa University at Fayette, IA. Leland C. and Sandra Puls were married in Dubuque, IA 28 Jul 1973. Sandra was born in Dubuque to Ernest and Hazel (Taylor) Puls of Dubuque. Sandra graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and taught for 4 years in Dubuque before her marriage.

Lee and Sandra began farming on the home farm, Section 28, Bloomfield Twp., Winneshiek Co. They are the parents of 3 sons; Eric, Zachary, and Michael.

Lee served on the Postville School Board 9 years. Sandra is a substitute teacher in the Postville School and a member of PE.O. They are members of the Postville Presbyterian Church.

Mashek, James and Rose (Hejlik)

(Arlene Mashek)

James Mashek was born Oct 1869 in Calmar, IA to Wenzel and Katherine (Swehla) Mashek. James married Rose Hejlik who was born Nov 1882 in Spillville to John Hejlik and Rosa Kratochvil. James and Rose had 8 children: Gertrude married Tony Laures; Mayme married William Hosting; Adolph married Mae Riehle; William married Regina Shileny; Walter married Leona Zeman; Leo married Jeanette Huff; George married Evelyn Stmad and Edward married Rita McGrane.

James died Apr 1949 and Rose died Aug 1959.

Masters, Lyle and Sena (Baker)

(Marilyn Helland)

Lyle Eugene Masters was born in Burr Oak Twp 20 Mar 1906, the eldest son of Guy Henry and Edna Mabel (Morrison) Masters. His father was born in Burr Oak Twp 17 Jul 1887 and passed away of cancer 26 Oct 1937. Lyle’s mother was born in Decorah, IA 3 Sep 1884 and died there 29 Apr 1959 after a severe stroke. Many family members were baptized around Guy’s deathbed just before he passed away. I, Marilyn, being one, was 6 months old. Edna was the daughter of Lionel Robert and Margaret (Bloomfield) Morrison. Lyle had 3 sisters and 2 brothers: Nellie, born 15 May 1903 and died of TB 5 Mar 1921. Lyle was next, then Vera Lucille was born 1 Dec 1908. She married Clarence J. Hovey and lived in the Decorah area until she died of cancer 18 Apr 1980. Victor M., born 3 Sep 1909, married Vyra Dawley and lived in the Canton area. He passed away 29 Oct 1979. Ethel Lillian, born 15 Sep 1911, married Henry A. Mastellerfrom the Alexandria, MN area and died of a heart attack during cancer surgery on 13 Jan 1994. Howard C., born 25