PEOPLE
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Bryan Marsh
Bryan Marsh, of Tyler, was born in Alabama and was educated in that state. He removed with his parents in 1854 to Texas, locating in Smith county near the city of Tyler, and became a prosperous planter. Upon the outbreak of the war in 1861 he promptly enlisted as a private in company C, 17th Texas Infantry. He was soon promoted to be captain, and a year later was made colonel in Grandbury's brigade. He was captured with his command at Fort Donaldson, and spent several months in prison (with his comrade Roger G. Mills) before his exchange. He participated in all the campaigns of his brigade up to the time of the loss of his right arm in front of Atlanta. As soon as he was able he returned to duty with his command, serving until the surrender. Col. Marsh was beloved by his men for his courage and daring. No braver man drew sword in the Confederate cause. Shortly before the close of the war he was nominated for Brigadier-General, but hostilities ceased before his commission reached him, although he was placed in command of his brigade. After the war Col. Marsh engaged in business with success, but was soon called by the people to the office of Sheriff of Smith county, serving by re-election for twenty years. Col. Marsh married first Miss Mittie Shuart, by whom he had one child, Hon. Henry B. Marsh, one of the leading lawyers of Texas. By his second wife, Miss Lucy Portis, he had two daughters, Mittie and Mary. Col. Marsh died in 1901, and is buried in Oakwood cemetery in Tyler.
Source: Transcription from the book, Texans Who Wore The Gray, by Sidney Smith Johnson, published in 1907; located on the website, Internet Archive (http://archive.org), accessed 14 March 2024.
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