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I once wrote in a privately published book distributed to family members:
"...When the use of surnames became widespread following the Norman invasion and conquest of England in 1066, people were identified according to their trade, their residence, or some distinguishing characteristic. The name Marsh is described in most genealogical references as a “place” name denoting people who resided in or near the marshes.
On the other hand, it has also been suggested that the name was brought to England with the Normans. The name is found in the earliest records of counties Kent, Essex, Middlesex, Berks and London. It is listed in the Harleian Manuscripts, and hyphenated versions are found today among the Peerage of England.
Various spellings have been identified, including the Middle English Mersche, the French Marais, and the "latinized" de Marisco. The name Ric. Marisc appeared on the "Pipe Roll” of Henry I, 1130-31. Other sources claim that Mariscus, Mariscallus, Maeresche, Mash, and more are all versions of the Marsh name. Burke's Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of England mentions a Sir Stephen Marsh (c 1174), Lord of Newton, Walsoken, Tid, St. Giles...as well as his son, Jeffrey de Marisco Marsh (c 1198)..."
None of the above was discovered on the internet, all being originally found in "live" research at NEHGS in Boston and State Libraries in MA, NH, and ME during pre-internet days.
It has not been confirmed that George was from Hingham, Norfolk, England although he did arrive at Hingham, MA with Rev. Peter Hobart and his congregation who did, in fact, emigrate from Hingham, Norfolk, England. Several families supposedly traveled from other areas to join the Hobart group in sailing to Massachusetts Bay. Also, the Hobart group was at Charlestown briefly before moving on to "Bear Cove" (Hingham) and George may have come over earlier, joining them there. In additon, a pamphlet titled "The Heyday of Their Strength" by M.E. Lonsdale is said to list the members of the Hobart Congregation at Norfolk without a George Marsh among them. Many questions remain, then. The one thing we CAN be sure of is that George Marsh/Marshe arrived at Hingham, MA in 1635 with his family.
I have seen the allegations that George's wife's name was Key and that his father may have been William, but in more than 35 years I have never seen those claims substantiated with acceptable documentation. I once corresponded with a person who stated that "Boyd's marriage Index" indicates that a George Marsh was married to Elizabeth Key in Suffolk (Ipswich?)in 1623, but I have not yet cross checked the information. Much as I'd love to make my story bigger, my data continues to exclude William and the surname Key for Elizabeth for the time being.
I cross check all new data against vital records and other documents recognized by professional genealogical societies such as NEHGS, Mayflower Descendants, and so forth before accepting it as valid and verifiable....I've bitten a few pencils in half with that policy, but I haven't had to take a chainsaw to my "tree" and start over in years.
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