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TPL-1021
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107 South G Street was the home of Col. Marshall K. Snell, prominent Tacoma attorney for over 50 years. The woman on the porch may be his wife, Bertha, who became the first practicing woman lawyer in the State of Washington. Orphaned at an early age in Iowa, Col. Snell (born Marshall King) was adopted by William J. Snell whose last name he took. He worked his way through the University of Wisconsin, obtaining his law degree there, and moved to Tacoma in 1888. For a number of years Marshall Snell served as defense attorney in many famous murder and other criminal trials. He later moved into civil practice specializing in corporate law and also became known for his expertise as a railroad lawyer. Col. Snell was a man of many interests including farming, animal husbandry, and played a leading role in the good roads movement which made an adequate farm-to-market road system a reality in this state. He donated sites for county and village schools and churches and community centers. Unlike most of his compatriots, Col. Snell did not join fraternal organizations or clubs. He was, however, a life member of the Washington Historical Society and reportedly owned the finest private library of Northwest history in these parts. Marshall Snell passed away in Tacoma on April 19, 1939, age 79. (Downs, Encyclopedia of Northwest Biography, p. 109-110 -article)
Snell, Marshall K.--Homes & haunts;