Jersey Troopers: Blood Poisoning

William H. Marshall #63

August 18 was a hot summer day in the year 1899, especially so in the city of Newark. The city and date are significant because it is there and then that William Henry Marshall was born. One of the three oldest cities in the United States, Newark was a leader in the industrial establishment. It had tremendous growth in manufacturing and success both in banking and insurance development. It was a time when William McKinley was president, Foster Voorhees was governor of New Jersey and the horse and buggy was the main mode of transportation.

The new century was approaching, and Marshall’s parents, William and Mary, were enjoying the fruits of their labor. The Marshalls, a surname dating back to English and Scottish descent, had eight children. They settled in Newark and sent their children through the public school system. It was not uncommon to have only a grammar school education, and William was no exception. Like most people at the time, William started working early in life. Little is known of Marshall’s life from fourteen until eighteen.

The United States’ entry into World War I, in April 1917, provides us with insight into Marshall’s life. On May 4, the young man enlisted in the army. Marshall received his basic training and was assigned to the Seventy sixth Field Artillery and Cavalry. He saw his share of combat during the war. One battle in particular occurred in July 1918 near Paris, France. Corporal Marshall took part in this major campaign by the Marne River. Ironically, several other participants in this battle would also become New Jersey troopers, most notably H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the organization’s founder. The fighting lasted for three weeks and proved to be the last major offensive held by the Germans on the western front. Marshall’s service ended with an honorable discharge with him being awarded the equivalent of a silver star.

By the summer of 1919, the twenty-year-old war veteran was working for Westinghouse Electric. Westinghouse, a company on the verge of entering the broadcast business, had enormous opportunity for its employees. Marshall started as an armature winder. Even though Westinghouse was a thriving company, Marshall made a bold move, leaving for a job with Edison Electric as an inspector. He would make a similar move in September 1921by leaving to join the state police.

The State of New Jersey had been trying to organize a state police force since the beginning of 1914; it wasn’t until March 1921 that the State Police Bill became reality and was passed into law. Three months later, Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf was appointed the superintendent with the responsibility of organizing the force. Sixteen hundred men applied to be troopers; among them was a young armature winder and former soldier from Newark.

William Henry Marshall, along with 119 people, entered training on September 1, 1921. The training was reminiscent of the military boot camp that Marshall had endured. Marshall did remarkably well, graduating with an overall physical average of eighty-seven. He also obtained marksmanship credentials.

On December 1, eighty-one people stood with enthusiasm and pride as they were sworn in, becoming the first troopers for the State of New Jersey. Within the state police, once a badge is issued, it is never recirculated, and Marshall received badge #63.

The state was divided into two troops, Troop A for the southern part and Troop B for the northern. Marshall was assigned to the latter. Interestingly, Marshall wrote on his state police application that he wanted to be a mounted horse trooper. Destiny placed him on a motorcycle.

Much documentation exists of the first years of the state police; however, little is known of Marshall’s career. He was a trooper for over two years, yet his file provides little insight into the man. Furthermore, little is captured on the accident that claimed his life. However, one document exists that provides insight into William Marshall’s personality.

On July 8, 1922, Captain Othel Baxter authored a letter requesting that Marshall receive disciplinary action. Baxter wrote that Marshall, with “blustering familiarity” and “without the slightest invitation,” had stormed into his office right in the middle of a meeting. Baxter was with Trooper Hamilton #134, who, according to Baxter, was discussing “police plans.” Marshall said,“Howdy-do Captain, how are you?…[Then] slouched on thru into the open where he had parked his motorcycle at odds to all other transportation.”Baxter concluded his letter by writing, “His actions then and since his arrival is not a credit to the force.” There is an interesting and somewhat questionable postscript: “9 P.M. Trooper Marshall nonchalantly meanders in and asks for the key to Ford to go to Trenton Junction to buy some cigarettes. Answer, No.”

This correspondence leads the reader to believe that Marshall was impolite and bad mannered. However, a closer examination reveals an interesting fact. Two years after this incident, Hamilton had risen to the rank of captain. Presumably, Marshall thought that Hamilton was receiving favor and was expressing his disapproval. This declaration is supported by Hamilton’s quick ascension. Certainly, this incident shows that Marshall had a nonchalant demeanor and wasn’t afraid to express himself.

Marshall’s tenure with the state police ended on a lonely stretch of highway in Red Bank, New Jersey, on Monday, December 10, 1923. Responding to a struck child call, Marshall’s rear tire blew out, throwing him from his Harley Davidson. His injuries were minor, and he was brought to Monmouth Memorial Hospital in Long Branch, where he was expected to have a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, after two days with family at his side, a sudden “acute case of blood poisoning set in.” At 3:00 p.m. on December 12, Marshall passed away. Poor sanitary conditions were likely the cause.

At the time of his death, Marshall was stationed out of the Shrewsbury station and became the first in a long succession of troopers to die in the line of duty. The funeral service was held on December 15 at St. Peters Church in Belleville, New Jersey. He was twenty-four years old.

Long Lost photograph of William H. Marshall in his army uniform. Discovered while conducting research for the book, "Jersey Troopers: Sacrifice at the Altar of Public Service."