By Julie Huebel, Pierce County Historical Association
ELMWOOD, WI – M is for Marson… It’s sometimes tricky deciding who to start with. For this one I decided to go with “Rene” (Marson) Sailer, wife of Frank Sailer, Jr. Most from Elmwood would have known or at least interacted with her as owner of Sailer’s Groceries and Meat Market. Rene, short for Lorena, and not pronounced like “Renee.” She was born in Elmwood in 1925 to Edward Marson and Hannah Kainz, the neighborhood news reported her birth stating that her father’s sister-in-law, “Mrs. Henry Marson” (Katherine Geiger) was staying with them caring for mother and baby.
Edward was born in Rock Elm Township in 1891 and sadly died at only 34 years of age just a few months after his daughter, Rene was born. Rene’s mother, Hannah would pass away at only 50. Rene was treasured by her family and friends until the age of 91, passing in 2017.
Edward’s parents were Nicholas Marson (1851-1938) and Mary Even/Evan (1858-1933). Nicholas’s obituary says he was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin so his parents must have been there for a time, they moved around a bit. His obituary also states: “When he was 21 years of age he journeyed to Port Washington where he met Mary Even, whom he married December 1, 1874.
Five children were born to this union, only one of whom survives, a son, Frank of Elmwood. In the winter of 1875, he came to Eau Galle with his wife and infant son and lived there until the fall of 1884 then moving to their farm near Farm hill where they lived until 1916, when they moved to Elmwood.” Nicholas and Mary are buried in Elmwood’s Catholic Cemetery at Farm Hill.
Nicholas’ parents were Frank (1808-1891) and Josephine DeVillet (1810-1897). Frank was born in Luxembourg (not positive, but a source says in the area that is now Luxembourg Province in Belgium, an area that borders the country of Luxembourg), originally going by “Francois Marseau.” Another name difference, Nicholas’ older brother Michael goes by the last name “Morson.” Here is what is on Frank’s Findagrave page:
“In his youth, at about the age of 17, Francois entered into the service of the Luxembourg National Militia at Ell. He served seven years until his term expired on 02 May 1834. Francois Marseau was united in marriage with Josephine DeVillet, age 24. The couple worked as hired hands on a farm at Post, Luxembourg Province, Belgium. Francois and Josephine with their five young children ranging in ages from eight months to eight years old, emigrated from Antwerp, Belgium, to New York City on board the Bark Manchester on 12 July 1843. The Marson family lived in New York state for a few years, most likely Buffalo, then in Ozaukee County, Wis. before removing to Eau Galle, Wisconsin in 1874 where he resided until his death. Mr. Frank Marson, aged 86 years and eight months died, Nov. 7th, 1891, in Eau Galle, Dunn county. The funeral was held at the Catholic church in Eau Galle on the 9th, and the remains were interred in the cemetery at that place, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. Kleine. Mr. Marson has been a resident of Dunn County for the past eighteen years. He was the father of eleven children. His wife and eight children, all of whom are married, survive him.”
Frank and his family are found on the 1860 federal census fittingly in Belgium Township in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.
Frank’s parents were Jean Marseau (or Johannes Marceau) and Clare Martens (or Claire Mertens).
