Robert and Emma (Watts) Marsh
Great grandfather Robert Marsh (1847-1920s) was born in Milwaukee's 1st Ward to English immigrant parents shortly after they had arrived in Milwaukee. Emma Watts Marsh (1850-1930s) arrived much later. She was born in England (our only foreign-born great grandparent), and immigrated to America with her parents in 1868 at the age of 18 or 19. After arriving in the New York harbor, it appears that the Watts family went straight on to Milwaukee.
Robert Marsh and Emma Watts married in Milwaukee on November 5, 1874. Between that time and 1886, they gave birth to four daughters and one son. The children were Charlotte, Mabel, Alice, George, and Daisy. Mabel Marsh would grow up to become our grandmother. For a period of years around 1880, Emma's father, William Watts, also lived with them.
Robert Marsh was in the construction industry for most of his life. At various points he described himself as a contractor or a builder. Later in his life he became a superintendent in a chair factory.
We do not have dates on the deaths of Robert and Emma Marsh. However, we do know that Robert died at some point in the 1920s. After his death, Emma continued living with their daughter Charlotte. In 1930, Emma, aged 80, was still living with 55-year-old Charlotte in Milwaukee's 1st Ward. Emma Watts Marsh probably passed away in the 1930s.