Edgar A. Long, excerpt from 1916 speech, recounting the Marshall family's sacrifice.
. . .There is just one other incident I would relate. When the question of the erection of the first building on the farm was being considered in Philadelphia it was necessary for the Principal Chas. L. Marshall, to be present.
While he was away from home his baby died and the question was whether he should give up his engagements in Philadelphia or return home to [the burial of] his child. He chose to stay and plead for Christiansburg while his babe was being buried here. Upon his return home he and I went to the grave of that child and there across that raised mound of clay we clasped hands and reconsecrated our lives to the work of Christiansburg. We each pledged the other that the one who died first the other would bury him on the grounds; He passed first and I fulfilled my vow. He sleeps today beneath the soil his life has hallowed.
. . .
Source: Edgar A. Long, excerpt from typescript speech, "Land for the Hill School Donated by Founder," Long Papers, CIAA Collection.