John Zrust was a prominent businessman in Glencoe, Minnesota. At the age of 12 he began working for Patick Welch who owned a general merchandise store; several years later he was a clerk for the store owned by L. S. Preiss. At the age of 20, John became a partner with Frank Eckhart in the hardware business. When the store closed it's doors, John bought a shoe business from Carl Muenzer and it became very successful. In 1895 he moved the business into a ground floor store in the new Masonic Temple building and named it "The Temple Store", carrying an extensive line of men's clothing, other apparel and a line of shoes. He established an enviable reputation of integrity which was never blemished during his 45 years as a businessman. He was held in such high regard by other business people from the Glencoe area, they chose to close their door to business for two hours for his funeral.
John married Isabelle Schock Marshall, July 4, 1911 in a quiet ceremony with only the brides sons and Mr. Harry Russell of St. Paul in attendance. Isabelle was the daughter of Edward L. H & Katherine Allison Schock of Pennsylvania. The Schock and Allison families are of early colonial ancestry. Isabelle was born and raised in Pennsylvania, educated in a girls college and during her life in the Glencoe, Minnesota area became one of the outstanding women leaders in civic, club and social circles. Thomas Marshall, Isabelle's first husband was a native of Brockville, Canada. He owned a typewriter and supply business in St. Paul, Minnesota and passed away in 1910. Three sons were born to Thomas & Isabelle: Thomas Harry, Lawrence Walter; Lawrence served in WWII as a commissioned officer attaining the rank of Major in the Officers Reserve Corps, and youngest son, George Edward
Isabelle engaged in the millinery business at Glencoe as a means of supporting herself and children upon the death of her husband Thomas. She was past county chairman of the Red Cross, and served on the program committee of the Federation of Woman's Clubs and is largely responsible for the origin of the Glencoe HIstorical Society. She was a lifetime member of the Minnesota Historical Society. She was an active member of the Auxiliary of the American Legion,of which she served as president and was president of the third district as well. She was president of the Forty and Eight Society at Glencoe and publicity director of the local flower shows, member of the Rebekahs and the James Bryant Woman's Relief Corps of Minneapolis. She served as State Memorial Chairman of the department of Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary and through her efforts made possible the installing of the chimes in the Memorial Chapel at Fort Snelling. |
