John Marshall (1755 - 1835)

Born 24 Sep 1755 in Germantown, Prince William County, Colony of Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Willis (Ambler) Marshall — married 3 Jan 1783 in Virginia, United States

Descendants

Died 6 Jul 1835 at age 79 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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Biography

Justice John Marshall was a Founding Father in the American Revolution.

Captain John Marshall served with 11th Virginia Regiment (1777), Continental Army during the American Revolution.

John Marshall is Notable.

John Marshall was born on 24 September 1755 in Germantown, Prince William (later Fauquier) County, Virginia, the oldest of sixteen children and seven sons of Thomas Marshall and Mary Keith. ^[1]

On 3 January 1783, when he was twenty-seven, he married Mary Ambler. Despite her constant ill health, she bore him eleven children, eight sons and three daughters:

1. Thomas Marshall, born 1784
2. Rebecca Marshall, born 1786
3. Jaquelin Marshall, born 1787
4. Mary Ann Marshall, born 1789
5. John James Marshall, born 1792
6. Mary Marshall, born 1795
7. John Marshall, born 1798
8. James Keith Marshall, born 1800
9. Charles William Marshall, born 1803
10. Samuel Marshall. born 1804
11. Edward Carrington Marshall, born 1805

Freemason

John Marshall was an active Freemason and served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Virginia^[2]

Death and Burial

His wife died around the age of 49 years old, on December 25, 1831. "Most who knew Marshall agreed that after Mary's death, he was never quite the same."^[3]

He was injured in the spring of 1835 while returning home from Washington, D.C., in an accident in his stage coach. His health had already been poor, and severe contusions received during this incident led to a rapid decline in his health. He then traveled to Philadelphia in June 1835 to seek formalized medical assistance, however his health did not improve. He died in Philadelphia on July 6, 1835, at the age of 79 years old, the last surviving member of John Adams's Cabinet and the second to last surviving Founding Father, the last being James Madison.^[3]

Two days prior to his passing, he requested that his friends place only a plain slab over his and his wife's graves, and it is said that he wrote the simple inscription himself. His body lies in Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

The tombstone inscription reads:

JOHN MARSHALL

Son of Thomas and Mary Marshall
was born September 24 1755
with Mary Willis Ambler
the 3rd of January 1783
Departed this life

the 6th day of July 1835.

On 6 July 1835, when he was seventy-nine, Marshall died in Philadelphia, where he had gone to receive medical treatment. His wife had died several years earlier. He was buried in Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond.

Will and Estate of John Marshall

^{[citation needed]} Col. Marshall's will was executed June 26, 1798, in Woodford Co., KY and is found of record in Mason Co., Book B, p. 212. It was probated February 15, 1803. The following is an abstract of its provisions. He gives: To his son, John: "The "Oaks", in Fauquier Co., VA, two tracts on the Licking, one of which contained 1,000 acres, and the quanity of the other is not stated. To his son, Thomas: Part of a tract of 14,717 acres, on Clark's run, in Mason Co., and 1,000 acres elsewhere. To his son, James M.: 6,000 acres from a survey of15,000 on the North fork of Licking. To his sons Charles and William: 13,616 acres on the South side of the North fork. To his son, Alex. K.: 10,500 acres on Mill creek: 1,800 acres on the Ohio, above the mouth of Salt creek, and 200 acres more at the mouth of Salt creek, and some other lands and three negroes. To his son, Louis:"Buckpond," containing 575 acres, with the stock thereon, and one-third of my negroes, after the death of my wife. Also a tract adjoining Fitzpatrick's. and my certificates for military services. To Elizabeth Colston: My part of a survey near the Yellowbanks. To Mary Anne Marshall: 500 acres adjoining Crittenden's premption; also 400 acres on the Ohio, at the mouth of Hardin creek, and some military lands. To Judith Brooke:One-third of my land on the Kentucky river, at the mouth of Gilbert's creek; also one-half of 1,500 acres on the North fork and Cabin creek; also two negroes. To Thomas Ambler:3,816 acres on Johnson's fork, and 4,000 acres South of the Licking. To Susanna McClung:The Blue Spring tract of 2,000 acres, one-third of the Bullitt tract, and four negroes. To Charlotte Duke: One-third of 2,800 acres in Mason County, KY; 500 acres elsewhere; and one negro. To Jane Taylor:One-third of 8,2000 acres and one-third of my Gilbert creek lands on the Kentucky river, and one-third of my slaves after my wife's death. To Nancy Marshall:The residue of my Ohio lands; the remaining third of my Gilbert creek lands and one-third of my slaves after my wife's death. To Elizabeth Colston: 500 acres as a token of my remembrance for her dutiful assistance in raising and supporting my younger children. To my wife for life: My slaves. The remainder of his lands are given to his executors, Thomas, Alex. K., and Humphrey Marshall, in trust that they shall sell the same and make my children equal; and their compensation is to be settled by my son, John. August 8, 1803, the three executors qualified.

Supreme Court Service

Supreme Court Decisions Written by Justice Marshall

Marshall wrote several important Supreme Court opinions, including^{[citation needed]}:

• Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803)
• Fletcher v. Peck, 10 U.S. 87 (1810)
• McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 316 (1819)
• Dartmouth College v. Woodward, 17 U.S. 518 (1819)
• Cohens v. Virginia, 19 U.S. 264 (1821)
• Johnson v. M'Intosh, 21 U.S. 543 (1823)
• Gibbons v. Ogden, 22 U.S. 1 (1824)
• Worcester v. Georgia, 31 U.S. 515 (1832)
• Barron v. Baltimore, 32 U.S. 243 (1833)

Legacy

Biography of Washington

In the archives of Western Connecticut State University, a quote summarizing his biography of Washington is found ^[4]:

Marshall greatly admired George Washington, and wrote a highly influential biography. Between 1805 and 1807, he published a five-volume biography; his Life of Washington was based on records and papers provided him by the president's family. The first volume was reissued in 1824 separately as A History of the American Colonies. The work reflected Marshall's Federalist principles. His revised and condensed two-volume Life of Washington was published in 1832. Historians have often praised its accuracy and well-reasoned judgments, while noting his frequent paraphrases of published sources such as William Gordon's 1801 history of the Revolution and the British Annual Register."

Schools named after him

Four law schools and one University today bear his name: The Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia; The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio; John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia; and, The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. The University that bears his name is Marshall University in Huntington West Virginia. Marshall County, Illinois, Marshall County, Indiana,Marshall County, Kentucky and Marshall County, West Virginia are also named in his honor. A number of high schools around the nation have also been named for him. ^{[citation needed]}

Places Named after Him

Marshall, Michigan was named by town founders Sidney and George Ketchum in honor of the Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall from Virginia—whom they greatly admired. Occurring five years before Marshall's death, it was the first of dozens of communities and counties named for him. Marshalltown, Iowa was allegedly named for the Michigan city, but adopted its current name because there was already a Marshall, Iowa

Eight US states have named counties in Justice Marshall's honor. They are: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Biography from Supreme Court Website

On the Supreme Court History Website, the following biographical sketch is found:

John Marshall, 1801-1835 JOHN MARSHALL was born on September 24, 1755, in Germantown, Virginia. Following service in the Revolutionary War, he attended a course of law lectures conducted by George Wythe at the College of William and Mary and continued the private study of law until his admission to practice in 1780. Marshall was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1782, 1787, and 1795. In 1797, he accepted appointment as one of three envoys sent on a diplomatic mission to France. Although offered appointment to the United States Supreme Court in 1798, Marshall preferred to remain in private practice. Marshall was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1799, and in 1800 was appointed Secretary of State by President John Adams. The following year, President Adams nominated Marshall Chief Justice of the United States, and the Senate confirmed the appointment on January 27, 1801. Notwithstanding his appointment as Chief Justice, Marshall continued to serve as Secretary of State throughout President Adams’ term and, at President Thomas Jefferson’s request, he remained in that office briefly following Jefferson’s inauguration. Marshall served as Chief Justice for 34 years, the longest tenure of any Chief Justice. During his tenure, he helped establish the Supreme Court as the final authority on the meaning of the Constitution. Marshall died on July 6, 1835, at the age of seventy-nine." ^[5]

Note: John Marshall was the fourth chief justice of the United States and a Congressman from his native state of Virginia. In the Revolutionary War, Marshall rose to the rank of Captain. When the conflict ended, he practiced law in Richmond and became a delegate to the Virginia general assembly. In 1797, he was appointed a commissioner to France, where he became involved in the "XYZ Affair." Two years later, he was elected to Congress, and was later named secretary of state by John Adams. Marshall was nominated to be chief justice of the United States in 1801. In the course of his thirty-four-year tenure, Marshall established the Supreme Court as the ultimate body for interpreting the Constitution. The principle was first demonstrated in the case of Marbury v. Madison (1803), as the Court established the prerogative of judicial review. Other notable cases included McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden, Brown v. Maryland, and Ogden v. Saunders. Marshall believed that the Constitution was designed to be "adapted to the various crises of human affairs." Above all, he emphasized national supremacy over the interests of the individual states and the protection of property rights.

Note: John Marshall (September 24, 1755-July 6, 1835) was an American jurist and statesman who shaped American constitutional law and made the Supreme Court a center of power. Marshall was Chief Justice of the United States, serving from January 31, 1801, until his death in 1835. He served in the United States House of Representatives from March 4, 1799, to June 7, 1800, and was Secretary of State under President John Adams from June 6, 1800, to March 4, 1801. Marshall was from the Commonwealth of Virginia and a leader of the Federalist Party.

It is said that while tolling in memory of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835, the tone of the Philadelphia clock bell noticeably changed. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the bell had cracked. It was at this time that the bell became known as the Liberty Bell. Marshall, John (1755-1835) Son-in-law of Jacquelin Ambler; third cousin once removed of Thomas Jefferson; brother-in-law of William McClung and George Keith Taylor; cousin of Humphrey Marshall and John Randolph of Roanoke; brother of James Markham Marshall; uncle of Thomas Francis Marshall. Born in Germantown, Fauquier County, Va., September 24, 1755. Served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; lawyer; member of Virginia state house of delegates, 1782-96; U.S. Representative from Virginia at-large, 1799-1800; U.S. Secretary of State, 1800-01; Chief Justice of U.S. Supreme Court, 1801-35; died in office 1835; received 4 electoral votes for Vice-President, 1816. Episcopalian. Member, Freemasons; Phi Beta Kappa. Elected to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans in 1900. Died in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pa., July 6, 1835.Interment at Shockoe Cemetery, Richmond, Va. Marshall counties in Ala., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Ky., Miss., Tenn. and W.Va. are named for him. He resided at 'Oak Hill', Fauquier Co., VA. He resided at Richmond, VA. He was educated in 1779 at William & Mary College, Williamsburg, VA. He was a member of the Legislature in 1782 at Virginia. He was a member of the Council of State in 1782 at Virginia. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1788. He was a member of the Legislature between 1789 and 1791 at Virginia. He was an Envoy to Paris between 1797 and 1798 at Paris, France. He was a member of Congress in 1799. He was Secretary of State under John Adams in 1800. He was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court between 31 Jan 1801 and 6 Jul 1835. He was the author of the Life of Washington.

Note: He resided at Richmond, Va. He was a captain in the Revolutionary War. Educated at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Va. He was a member of the Legislature in 1782 at Virginia. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1788. He was a member of Congress in 1799. Envoy to Paris, France 1797, 1798. He was Secretary of State under John Adams in 1800. He was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court between January 1, 1801, and July 6, 1835. He was the author of the Life of Washington.

Note: Made Lieutenant in 1775. Their green shirts bore the motto "Liberty or Death" and their banner was a emblem of a coiled rattlesnake with the inscription "Don't Tred On Me." He was made Captain in 1779.

Was sent as an envoy to France by President Adams in June of 1797.

A toast given by him in Philadelphia was "Millions for defence; not a cent for tribute"

Secretary of State under President Adams. Mr Marshall (or General Marshall as he was then called) happened one day to suggest a new name for the place, (Chief Justice) when Mr. Adams promptly said: "General Marshall, you need not give yourself any further trouble about that matter. I have made up my mind about it." "I am happy to hear that you are relieved on the subject," said Marshall. "May I ask whom you have fixed upon?"Certainly," said the president. "I have concluded to nominate a person it may surprise you to hear mentioned. It is a Virginia lawyer, a plain man by the name of John Marshall. He was nominated and confirmed 20 Jan 1881.

Published "Life of Washington" 5 vols 1804 of which the first vol. was afterward issued separately as "A History of the American Colonies in 1824.

Note: INDIVIDUAL GENERAL SOURCE NOTES:

THIRD CHIEF JUSTICE OF U.S.(1801-35) SEE A.J. BEVERIDGE,

"THE LIFE OF JOHN MARSHALL"(4 VOLS., 1916-19

Sources

1. ↑ John Marshall Birthplace Park, Fauquier County, Virginia, https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/departments-h-z/parks-and-recreation/facilities/parks/john-marshall-birthplace-park
2. ↑ "Brother John Marshall," Freemasonry Matters: Promoting the Fraternity Across the World, published online, 28 July 2016, https://freemasonrymatters.co.uk/famous-freemasons/brother-john-marshall/
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} John Marshall, Wikipedia of McGill College, Montreal, Canada, https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/j/John_Marshall.htm
4. ↑ "The life of George Washington, commander in chief of the American forces, during the war which established the independence of his country, and first president of the United States. Comp. under the inspection of the Honourable Bushrod Washington, from original papers. By John Marshall, held at Western Connecticut State University archival collection. https://archives.library.wcsu.edu/omeka/items/show/3109
5. ↑ http://www.supremecourthistory.org/history-of-the-court/chief-justices/john-marshall-1801-1835/#sthash.Tq8M9GeD.dpuf

See also:

• Obituary in "The African Repository Colonial Journal," American Colonization Society, Vol XI, https://books.google.com/books?id=Imky6DCZzt4C&pg=RA2-PA253#v=onepage&q&f=false, pages 253-255 , see attached PDF
• Wikidata: Item Q310829
• supremecourthistory.org
• ushistory.org
• Burial site of Chief Justice John Marshall, Find A Grave: Memorial #674
• Biographies of the Secretaries of State: John Marshall (1755–1835), United States Department of State.
• Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Genealogical Research Databases, database online, (http://www.dar.org/ : accessed March 22, 2022), "Record of John Marshall", Ancestor # A073898.

• Wikipedia
• Revolutionary War pension claim
  https://revwarapps.org/s5731.pdf

Acknowledgements

• Thanks to Lynda Hull for starting this profile.
• WikiTree profile Marshall-3293 was created through the import of 46l4cb_2617164eb9pf478824cdl0.ged on Oct 17, 2012 by John Drinkwater.