Page:LA2-NSRW-3-0172.jpg



MARION

1172

MARJORIE FLEMING

family, had little schooling, and in 1759 served in a cavalry troop commanded by one of his six brothers in an expedition against the Cherokees. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War he was a member of South Carolina's assembly. As captain of a company he served in a successful attack on Fort Johnson at Charleston. In 1777, with but 600 men, he vainly tried to defend Georgia from the British. In 1779 he was intrusted with the command of Fort Moultrie. During the siege of Charleston he accidentally broke his leg and was carried out of the city with the other wounded. As he grew better, he gathered his neighbors about him. and gradually built up the brigade that afterward became so famous. Colonel Marion's small and ragged regiment was rather looked down upon by General Gates, when it marched into camp. But when Gates was defeated at Camden, Marion, who had been sent to destroy the boats on the rivers, rescued the American prisoners. Marion's brigade now began those marches, forages and surprises, which crippled the enemy severely. His main camp was at Snow's Island, hid am^ng impassable swamps; but he had hiding-places in almost every Carolina marsh. He cheerfully slept without a blanket and marched without a hat. It is said that a British officer, sent to ask an exchange of prisoners, was led blindfolded into the "Swamp Fox's" camp. General Marion invited him to dinner, and the officer was surprised to find the meal made wholly of sweet potatoes roasted in the ashes and served on a piece of bark, and of a drink made of vinegar and water. The officer, on going back to the army, threw up his commission, saying he could not fight against men whose patriotism went to such lengths. Aftef the war Marion was a member of the state senate and helped to frame Carolina's constitution. He died near Eutaw, S. C., Feb. 28, 1795. See Life by Horry, by Weems and by Simms.

Marion, Ind., a thriving city and important railroad center, the capital of Grant County, northeastern central Indiana, 66 miles northeast of Indianapolis. It is the seat of a national soldiers' home, abnormal college and high schools, and has many manufacturing establishments, including malleable-iron works, rolling and flour mills and glass factories. In the jmst decade it has doubled its population, its present inhabitants numbering 19,359.

Marion, Ohio, city, county-seat of Marion County, about 45 miles north of Columbus. It is situated in a fertile agricultural region, and in the vicinity is considerable limestone. Among the extensive industries are steam-shovel works, limekilns and quarries, foundries, silk-mills and the manufacture of engines and threshers, agricultural implements, wood-pulleys

buggies and carriages. Marion has good public and parochial schools, a Home for Aged Women and several churches, and is served by four railroads. Population 18,232.

Marius (mafri-ns), Qaius, a famous Roman general, who was seven times consul, was born of an unknown family at Arpinum, Italy, 157 B. C. In 119 he was made tribune, and became popular for his vigor against the nobles. After marrying Julia, aunt of the great Caesar, he served in Africa during the war against Jugurtha. After a year as consul he successfully finished the war in 106. But now began his jealousy of Sulla, his lieutenant. In 104—101 he was chosen consul again, as it was felt that Marius alone could save Rome from the Cimbri and Teutones who had burst into Gaul and slaughtered several bodies of Roman troops. The war lasted two years, but finally the Teutons were blotted out. When, besides this success, he had overthrown the Cimbri and Rudii, the Romans were wild with joy, called him the savior of the state, and made him consul for the sixth time. This was the height of his power. His jealousy of Sulla, who had been given charge of the war against Mithradates, brought civil war in 88. Marius was soon forced to flee. During his flight one of his hiding-places was discovered, and he was flung into prison at Minturnse. Here, when a Cimbrian slave was sent to kill him, "Wretch, darest thou slay Gaius Marius?" said the old hero. The slave fled in terror, saying: "I cannot kill Marius;" and the citizens, looking on it as an omen, allowed the exile to escape. When his friends rose under Cinna, he hurried back to Italy, and the two generals marched on Rome, which was forced to yield. In revenge against the aristocracy Marius let loose 4,000 slaves, who kept up their work of murder for five days and nights. Marius and Cinna were chosen consuls in 86, but Marius had only held office 17 days when he died. See Michelet's Roman Republic; Mommsen's History of the Roman Republic; Sewall's Child's History of Rome and Yonge's Young Folks1 History of Rome.

Marjoram (mdr'jo-ram), a class of plants of which several kinds are common, as pot and sweet herbs in gardens. The common marjoram is a native of Great Britain, and is sweet-smelling, with a bitter taste. The dry leaves are sometimes used instead of tea. The plant-tops are used as a purple dye for woolen cloth. Oil of marjoram is also distilled from the plant. Pot, knotted and winter-sweet marjoram are other varieties.

Marjorie (mar'jo-ry} Fleming, a little Scotch girl, made immortal by the pen of the Scottish writer, Dr. John Brown, of Edinburgh. She was born at Edinburgh, Jan. 15, 1803. She was very bright and