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Benjamin Marsh, son of Seymour and Mary (Gage) Marsh, of Oxford, N. H., was born in Palatine Bridge, N. Y., on the 10th of February, 1817. He inherited many sterling characteristics and received in early life a good common school education, and the excellent qualities with which he was endowed were used for noble and useful ends. In 1832, when a lad of fifteen, he came to Albany and entered the employ of Chauncey Johnson, one of the leading jewelers and watchmakers of the city on what was then South Market street, now Broadway. In 1838 be commenced business for himself at the old location, which is now the printing house of J. Van Benthuysen, and subsequently moved to Douw's building, where he finally sold out to Henry Rowlands. About 1880 he resumed business at Nos. 79 and 81 North Pearl street, taking as his partner Frederick W. Hoffman, under the firm name of Marsh & Hoffman. Here Mr. Marsh continued in the jewelry, watch and diamond trade until his death on March 28, 1896, when he was succeeded by Mr. Hoffman.
Mr. Marsh was one of the leading jewelers and representative business men of Albany, and throughout a long and successful career won the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. His character, his integrity, and his business reputation were unsullied and above criticism. He was public spirited, kind, generous, and benevolent, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. In his home and among his family he found his greatest enjoyment, and it was there that his best characteristics were displayed. He was first and last an honest man, a simple but noble citizen, and a friend whom every one revered. He was one of the oldest members of the Burgesses Corps, serving under Captain Bayeaux in the anti renters' little disturbance in the Helderbergs. He was also an exempt fireman, a member of Temple Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M., and one of the founders of the Jagger Iron Company, of Albany. In politics he was first a Whig and then a Republican, but never accepted public office, though often urged to do so.
On October 5, 1848. Mr. Marsh was married to Miss Ruth Picket Camp, of Durham, Conn., who died April 20, 1896, three weeks after the death of her husband. They are survived by four children.
