George Marston

George White Marston (October 22, 1850 – May 31, 1946) was an American politician, department store owner, and philanthropist. Marston was involved with establishing many features of San Diego, such as Balboa Park, the San Diego Public Library System, and San Diego Presidio Park. His contributions to San Diego earned him the affectionate title of "San Diego's First Citizen."

Early life and career

Marston was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. As a boy, Marston learned to ice skate, which he continued to enjoy throughout his life. His father had a chronic respiratory ailment and wanted to live in a better climate for his health, so the family moved to San Diego in 1870.

Marston was initially a clerk in the Horton House Hotel, then entered the mercantile business as a bookkeeper with the firm of Aaron Pauly & Sons general merchandise store and warehouse merchants. Pauly was the founder of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Marston was its secretary and later its president.

In 1872, Marston clerked for storekeeper Joseph Nash. He and partner Charles Hamilton bought Nash out and ran the store. After Marston's marriage, he split the store business with his partner Hamilton, with Hamilton taking the grocery side and Marston taking the dry goods. The Marston Company became the only major department store in San Diego, and was located downtown. Its success was due to exclusive business arrangements Marston made with several suppliers. He became quite wealthy and was a generous philanthropist in the city. The Marston department store, at 548 C Street, San Diego, California (at 5th Avenue and C Street), was owned by the family until they sold it in 1961 to Broadway. It has since closed.

George Marston (Massachusetts)

George Marston was a lawyer who served in various political offices, including as the and Attorney General of Massachusetts.

Early life

Marston was born to Charles Marston in Barnstable, Massachusetts on October 15, 1821.

Elected offices

In 1850 Marston was elected the District Attorney for the Southern District, he also served as the Judge of Probate of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, and the Registrar of Probate of Barnstable County, Massachusetts. In 1879 Marston was elected Attorney General of Massachusetts, he was re elected in 1880 and 1881.

Death

Marston died in New Bedford, Massachusetts on August 14, 1883.

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