The Town of Berry newsletter wrote, "Marxville (formerly Halfway Prairie) served as the town's commercial center, boasting a store, several blacksmith shops and other establishments. Marxville is believed to be named after a German immigrant, Johann Marx, who, although not the area's first settler, was one of the largest landowners. The name is said to have been decided when the resourceful Mr. Marx showed up at the settlers' feast with a barrel of beer."[3]