The subject of this sketch, J. Austin Marshall, a son of Edward Marshall (see sketch), is a Kansas product, having been born in Cloud county, August 1st, 1873. He enjoys the distinction of having first seen the glimmer of day in a dugout on his father's homestead in Oakland township, when there was no lumber to be had unless hauled from Junction City, or other places equally distant.

Mr. Marshall remained on the farm until he had attained his twentieth year. Aspiring to newspaper work he entered the printing office of his brother, John Marshall, then owner and publisher of the Concordia Daylight. Possessing a somewhat restless spirit, coupled with a desire for adventure and excitement, the mysteries of hypnotism had an attraction for our subject, and after serving one year of apprenticeship in his brother's office, he penetrated the mysterious workings of hypnotism, became an adept in the science, and toured the states of Kansas and Arkansas in this vocation. His entertainments called forth many interesting newspaper comments and his fame as a hypnotist spread far and wide. After three years of traveling he returned to Concordia, and again entered the printing office of his brother. Possessing considerable journalistic talent, he interested some of Concordia's politicians and prominent citizens, who backed him in a political scheme and through their influence he purchased the Daylight of Marshall & Jones, which he ran very successfully, but subsequently consolidated with the Empire. He later sold his interest to T.A. Sawhill and established the Concordia Press. Mr. Marshall employed good talent and for several months the Press was one of the county's leading papers.

Early in 1902 he became interested in the Jamestown Optimist, relieving the editor, A.B. Collins, a political aspirant, that he might canvass the county in the interest of the office which he sought. He continues with the Optimist, which has a large subscription list and good advertising patronage from the Jamestown merchants.

In 1900 Mr. Marshall's name was presented to the Republican county convention for the office of clerk of the court, but was defeated by four votes. He did not make a canvass of the county, nor was it announced that he was a candidate until a few days prior to the holding of the convention. Though not permitted to become a candidate again in 1902, he took an active part in the campaign, and did all he could in a personal way, and through the columns of his paper to promote the success of his party by electing its candidates.

Mr. Marshall was married in 1896 to Mabel, a daughter of S.B. Glidden, one of Concordia's old citizens.

Editor Marshall has recently sold his paper, the Jamestown Optimist, to Mr. Kimmal, a local photographer of Jamestown.