In Memoriam: Doc Marshall

Woodlawn Cemetery, Section G

Clinton, IL

     Dr. William Riddle (Doc) Marshall was born on September 22, 1875 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Marshall graduated from Slippery Rock Normal College in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania where he earned his teaching degree. After graduating, he worked as a school teacher. Two years later, Doc went to work for the Carnegie Steel Company.

     Doc Marshall made his Major League debut on April 15, 1904 at the age of 28. He played for six teams between 1904 and 1909: Philadelphia Phillies, New York Giants, Boston Beaneaters, St. Louis Cardinals (1906-08), Chicago Cubs, and Brooklyn Superbas. He served these teams as a catcher, first baseman, second baseman, and outfielder. Marshall's lifetime .210 batting average and .960 fielding percentage place him at 0.2 wins above replacement.

     In 1909, coincidentally Marshall's last year in professional baseball, Doc graduated from the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery. He moved to Clinton in 1913 and opened a medical practice. In addition, he was active in several professional and civic organizations including: the YMCA board of directors, the Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and the Illinois State Medical Society. Marshall served as the Vice-President of the DeWitt County Tuberculosis Association, President of  the DeWitt County Medical Association, and Secretary (26 years) of the DeWitt County Medical Association.

     Doc passed away on December 12, 1959. Services were held at Pullen-Boos Chapel in Clinton, Illinois. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In Memoriam: Joe Bernard

Calvary Cemetery

Springfield, IL

     Joseph Carl (J.C.) Bernard was born on March 24, 1882 in Brighton, Illinois. On September 23, 1909, he pitched one inning of one game for the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe walked two batters and gave up a hit, but allowed no runs to score. He struck out two of the six batters that he faced in the inning.

     Although Joe didn't find much success on the baseball field, he did find it as an investment banker. He owned the Bernard Investment Company in Springfield, Illinois for over fifty years. In addition, Mr. Bernard was quite active in the Springfield community. He was a member of several professional and community organizations, including: the Illinois Association of Insurance Agents, the Springfield Association of Agents, the Holy Name Society of the Blessed Sacrament Church, and the Knights of Columbus Council 364. Joe was also a member of the prestigious Sangamo Club, a private dining club that serves Springfield's most respected business, community, and government leaders.

     Joe passed from this world on September 22, 1960, nearly fifty-one years to the day after his Major League debut. He was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.