Rochester Era [Rochester, Oakland, Michigan], September 4, 1884:

In Seneca co., N.Y., June 25, 1847, Marsden C. Burch was born - stronger babies then than now, and the infant grew to be a vigorous boy without the aid of soothing syrup and medicated preparations - chewed the corner of this spelling book and made faces at the school-ma'am at Waterloo academy - afterwards wrestled with mathematics and the high branches at Falley seminary, Fulton and Hobart college, Geneva. Studied Coke and Blackstone in New York city and learned university tricks and more law at Ann Arbor later - first hung out law shingle at Rochester, Oakland county, Mich. Very young lawyer - only 21 years old - Rochester people good citizens and not interested in Burch's sign.

After two years of resting feet on office table decided to seek a field less orderly and where more law would be required - pitched upon Oscoda [sic] county and located at Hersey - been waiting for his there - probate judge office vacated and Gov. Baldwin appointed him to fill it - made good officer and was subsequently elected to full term - bore honors easy, and went in a booming when a candidate for senator from the twenty-seventh district, which followed the close of his probate Judge term - successful lawyer at Hersey - won most cases on original plan - didn't talk much law, but displayed big muscle to court and opposing counsel - they recognized the force of the argument and the suit was his'n - powerful physique - been taken for John L. Sullivan - form erect and head thrown back - sees man in front of him if he is one the roof of a house - cold forbidding manner, but pleasant and cordial when once reached via step ladder - was appointed United States district attorney of Michigan in 1877 by President Hayes - Jay Hubbell helped him to the office - Hubbell wouldn't do it again - not so good friends now - resigned the office to take a hand in the senatorial fight two years ago - managed Mr. Ferry's campaign and antagonized Hubbell, made an earnest fight but failed - has made money in politics and lumber and doesn't have to hold office - now lives at high priced hotel and attends church on Sunday - talked about for congress but says he is not a candidate - looked upon as party leader in Fifth district and has slathers of friends.