MARDEN, Alfred C. & Ella J.
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 754-755

Mrs. Ella J. MARDEN, widow of the late Rev. Alfred C. MARDEN, belongs to that 
type of woman that possess all the noble qualities of a true mother, but who 
has found ample time to labor in behalf of her sex and to bring the moral and 
intellectual standard to a much higher plane. She was born 23 Dec 1854 at 
Baraboo, Sauk County, WI, and there received her education, later attending 
the high school at Ironton. Mrs. MARDEN, whose maiden name was FULLER, was a 
daughter of one of the first settlers in Baraboo, who came from the east. 
Her father, Putnam FULLER, was a member of the firm of FULLER & TOWER, which 
operated a foundry and iron works in Baraboo for two years. He departed this 
life at Ironton [Sauk County, WI] in 1863, mourned by many friends and 
acquaintances. His wife survived until 1893, when she too passed away in the 
city of Oshkosh [Winnebago County, WI].

On 14 Feb 1875 Miss Ella J. FULLER married Alfred C. MARDEN, and their union 
has been blessed by four children: (1) Maggie M., born at Ithaca [Richland 
County, WI], 18 Feb 1876, was educated in the common schools, and later 
attended the Wisconsin Endeavor Academy, from which she was graduated with 
honor, began teaching at the age of 17, taught school for six years, and is 
still an active member of the profession; (2) Freddie B., born 22 Sep 1877, 
and died 22 Sep 1879; (3) Nellie G., born 03 Aug 1881, and died 03 Aug 1884; 
and (4) Katie R., born 03 Apr 1884, was educated in the common and high 
schools of Kilbourn [Columbia County, WI], and is now preparing to teach.

Rev. Alfred C. MARDEN was born 13 Jun 1851, at Epsom [Merrimack County], NH, 
and when six years of age he accompanied his parents, [p 755] who died when 
he was quite young, to Richland County, WI. He worked for his father on the 
farm, and took charge of the same when he was ten years old, as his father 
gave his services to aid in repressing the Rebellion. Mr. MARDEN was 
graduated from the Sextonville High School, and began teaching at the age of 
21, in the state of MN and Richland County, WI. He followed this occupation 
four years, and was a very successful teacher. However, feeling that this 
was not to be his life work, he began preparing himself for the ministry of 
the gospel, and devoted all his spare time and attention to acquiring the 
knowledge that would enable him to impress this knowledge on his fellow men. 
He studied for a long time, and was ably assisted in his work by the Rev. 
Simon SPIKER, under whose tutelage he developed into an earnest and 
conscientious woker in the cause of Christianity. He was ordained in 1886, 
to preach the work of God, and to the day of his death was an active worker 
in the Congregational chruch. Prior to his entering the ministry he had been 
actively engaged in Sunday school work, and for 13 years he was 
superintendent of the same at Ithaca, Richland County, WI.

The first charge he was entrusted with was at Neptune, Little Willow and 
Loyd, Richland County, WI, and during the six years which he remained on this 
charge he erected a church and organized a membership of 80 communicants at 
Neptune, also organized a church at Little Willow, with an enrolled 
membership of 35. Called to White Creek upon a two weeks' trial, Rev. A. C. 
MARDEN afterward came upon the unaminous call of that congregation, and it 
was during this charge that he organized the Adams County Sunday School 
Association, which society was largely due to his untiring efforts, and the 
success achieved cannot be overestimated. He ministered faithfully to the 
spiritual needs of his people and gave powerful and effective aid to all 
influences which work for the advancement of the community. Revered and 
loved by his own flock, he also won the honor and esteem of all others who 
watched his devotion to his calling, and the hard work and untiring efforts 
put forth by him in zealous ardor for his brethren undoubtedly shortened his 
life. His death occurred without a moment's warning on 01 Feb 1898, at White 
Creek [Adams County, WI], and was a sad blow to the community, and he was 
sincerely mouned by all who knew him.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly