1920s Trips to the American West

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     Mary Bertha "Dame" Marshall (1883-1966) was the first child of William Frederick Marshall (1864-1945) and Narcissus “Perk” London (1865-1942) and a great-great granddaughter of John and Catharina Truby Marshall.  She was born in Reynoldsville, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, and died in Clarion County.  Bertha was married twice, first to Henry Bradshaw Clayson and second, to Raymond Evans.  Her only child was daughter Helen Marshall Clayson Koenig of Knox, Clarion County, Pa.  Helen’s daughter, Dr. Iseli Koenig Krauss, taught psychology at Clarion State University of Pennsylvania and lives in Clarion now, in retirement. Last fall [2006], Iseli shared with me many family pictures, including these two of her grandmother Bertha.

     Bertha and Raymond Evans made at least two different trips to the American West.  In the top photo, they are at Mt. Rainier; the photo is labeled “Nisqually Glacier Party, 8-25-27”.  Bertha is 3rd from the right in the first standing row; and Raymond is 2nd from the left in the same row. 

     The lower picture is dated 3 September 1924, and our cousin is part of a mule train descending the Grand Canyon.  Bertha is the 5th rider from the bottom, just to the right of a man holding a large hat; and Raymond is the 7th person from the bottom (see the long necktie).

     Bertha was an antiques dealer for many years in Wilkinsburg, near Pittsburgh—an avocation shared today by her grandnephew Jackson M. Marshall of Greensburg.   Bertha also had an affinity for marvelous hats, and other family photos (see one below) has her adorned in some of the finest of the era!

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From Family! (Volume 3, Number 1; February 2007)