Born in New York City, Marvin attended the public schools in Port Jervis, Orange County.

He entered upon a commercial career and engaged in the promotion, construction, and operation of railroads, water-supply companies, bridges, manufacture of illuminating gas, and in banking.

He was an unsuccessful candidate of the Republican Party for member of the assembly in 1864 and for the State senate in 1881.

He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1894 and devoted his time to the management of his several business enterprises.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress