Tasker Howard Marvin, 1841-1888

     Tasker Howard Marvin was sixth great grandson to the Marvin family progenitor—Edward M Marvin. 

     Tasker was an accomplished businessman.  Tasker became a member of the New York Stock Exchange in August 1862.  He joined the Stock Exchange as a part of his father’s banking firm, Marvin & Sons.  It was at this time that he established  his credentials in the financial world.  By age 33, his success on Wall Street enabled him to retire with a net worth of three-quarters of a million dollars—that retirement occurred in 1874. 

     Following his early retirement, Tasker traveled the world with his wife, Bianca, and their four children. Tasker H. Jr. was born in 1865, Charles in 1869, Matilda in 1870, and Florence in 1874. Two nurses accompanied the Marvin family on their world travels. 

     Tasker put his financial means to good use.  In 1882, he was elected as one of 23 individuals, who served as a trustee of the Society of St. Johnland.  The nonprofit society operated a care facility for handicapped children, and elderly adults.  St. Johnland is located on Long Island, New York.  Today, St. Johnland serves only elderly adults.

     Tasker was very active in the affairs of his hometown—Brooklyn, New York.  He served on the board of the Phenix Insurance Company.  Brooklyn Mayor Seth Low called upon Marvin to serve on the Brooklyn Board of Health.  In addition, he served on the board of the Brooklyn Young Men’s Christian Association.

     But, a life of leisure grew tiresome to the enterprising Marvin.  So, he decided to return to the New York Stock Exchange to find out whether he still had his magic touch.  He speculated heavily in domestic and foreign stocks.  You might think that his decision to speculate on English stocks in London would have been his demise.  But, such was not the case.  As the New York Times reported, Tasker’s investment in domestic stocks proved to be his ruin.  The newspaper estimated that Marvin lost $1 million.

     Tasker Howard Marvin lived a very full life, albeit short.  He died on November 17, 1888 at the age of 47.  Tasker's death did not go unnoticed.  The New York Times wrote of the respects given by former Mayor Seth Low, among others.  They viewed a beautiful casket adorned in a garland of roses, and ivy.