The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-12-11
OBITUARY.
JOHN L. BEST.


John l.. Best, who for years has been
known as q prominent business man Of
Portland, died at bis residences at Soar
boro ut ten clock Fritay nigh.
Mr. Best was born In westbrook on
May 80, 1910. be was the son Of Triton
and Marion Best. His father was u
butcher who carried on business on u
very small scale, and as soon Is John l..
Best was able, not being over IA years Of
age, h went actively to work and for q
long ii ne, even though youth, he was
the mainstay Of the support of his faith
er's family.
Then In a small way no entered bust
slaughter house In wsstbrook and gradu-
ally increased his business, until he came
to Portland, having place Of business on
Spriug street for number Of years
Then he removed to Commercial street
aud built up and enlarged his business
until 1t was one of the most important Of
the kind ever run In local circles. He
was always regarded as a very shrewd
business man. He was one of the great
est buyers who ever went on the market
and be had the confidence and esteem Of
the great western beef men, including
Phil Armour, the Sw tits and y. II. Hol-
lis. He was the first man to bring q re-
frigerator car loaded with beef into Port
land, and was also the first man to bring
live western cattle here.
Mr.. Bess's business relations were en-
largsd to cover good many fields OF in
dustry, and at one time he Was worth n
considerable fortune. 1t has been said Of
him, with truth, that no needy man ev-
or applied TO him for relief and was turned
away empty handed.
Mr.. Best married Mary K. Bean of
Scarboro, who died last year. de leaves
three Children, Florsncs M, Mrs. Rosa
III. Pike OF Boston and Harry b. Best,
who is now and has been for the past
four months, ,incs Mr.. Best's illness be-
gan, running his fathers business at
Scarboro. He leaves also brother, Mar
tin W. Best Of this city, and two sisters,
Mrs. George Walker of East Oakland,
Cal, and Mrs Kennedy Of Los Angeles,
Cal.
CAPT. WILLIAM MARSH MAN.
Capt William Marshman. who has
made his home with Mrs. Mayo. $50
Congress street for number OF years
past, died Saturday forenoon after brief
Illness as result OF absoess on the liver.
Capt. Marshman was born in PhilRdel-
phis, November 30. 1888. At an early age
he commenced to follow the sea. ard foi
many years be sailed out Of Philadelphis
for the Indies.
When steam vessels came into use he
assumed command of these craft, and has
commanded various steamers sailing into
Southern ports. Capt. Mashmsn has the
distinction Of taking the first cargo of
cotton out of Charleston, S. c., after the
close of the wal.
When the steamboat Cleopatra was
bought By the Information al steam boat
line in 1881, Capt. Marshman command
ed the steamer from Baltimore to Port
land.
Capt. Marshman remained in the
employ of the International steamboat
company q few years and then retired
from active life. He was man Of sterl-
ing qualities, always thoughtful for the
welfare Of others, always doing all In his
power to cheer and make bright this life
Of others.
He leaves a son, Mr. Harry Marshman,
In the employ of the Clyde line of steam
ers a. their Philadelphia Office
Capt. Marsh nan also leaves two sisters,
residing in Philadelphia.
The funeral services will be held Tues
day afternoon at this residence Of Mrs.
Emeline Bryant, SIS Congress street.
Burial at Evergreen cemetery.