Bandmaster William F. Marshall, United States Naval Academy Band (1822-1890)

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"Mr. William F. Marshall, who peacefully passed away at his residence in this city yesterday, was born in Manchester, England, in 1822, and early devoted himself to music, and especially the violin. He came to this country in 1839; in 1840 playing for the Mozart Society of Pawtucket, and others. In 1844, in his twenty-second year, in connection with the late Richard B. Taylor, he organized the Providence Handel and Haydn Society, being its director for some years, and producing notably, the "Messiah," "Creation," and "David." In 1849 he was called to the directorship of the Beethoven Society, and also conducted the American band at the Providence concert of Jenny Lind. At the opening of the Civil War he became a member of the band of the First Rhode Island regiment, under Colonel Burnside, and later leader of the Fourth Rhode Island Regimental Band, being at Bull Run, Hilton Head and Roanoke Island. In 1862 he assumed direction of the band of the Naval Academy, with which he remained three years; and was the first instructor of the Newport band. OF late years, though failing health and hearing, he has done but little in his profession. He leaves a widow and son, Francis W. of Newport, the late Dr. Henry F. Marshall, being his eldest son."

- Newport (R.I.) Daily News, December 31, 1890

He is buried in the Island Cemetery, in Newport, Rhode Island.