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First Name: John

Last Name: Marshall

Birthplace: Fauquier, VA, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Continental Army (1775 - 1784)







Date of Birth: 24 September 1755

Date of Death: 06 July 1835

Rank: Captain

Years Served:
John Marshall
'Silverheels'

   
Engagements:
•  Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783)

Biography:

John Marshall
Captain, Eleventh Virginia Continental Regiment

John Marshall was born on 24 September 1755 in a log cabin close to Germantown, a rural community on the Virginia frontier, in what is now Fauquier County near Midland, VA. His parents were Thomas and Mary Isham Keith Marshall, the granddaughter of Thomas Randolph of Tuckahoe. The oldest of fifteen children, John had eight sisters and six brothers. Also, several cousins were raised with the family. He was also relative of Thomas Jefferson, both of them being descendants of Virginia colonist William Randolph, though Marshall and Jefferson would oppose each other on many political issues. From a young age, he was noted for his good humor and black eyes, which were "strong and penetrating, beaming with intelligence and good nature."

Marshall served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and was friends with George Washington. He served first as a Lieutenant in the Culpeper Minutemen from 1775 to 1776, and went on to serve as a Lieutenant and then a Captain in the Eleventh Virginia Continental Regiment from 1776-80. During his time in the Army, he enjoyed running races with the other soldiers and was nicknamed Silverheels for the white heels his mother had sewn into his stockings. Marshall endured the brutal winter conditions at Valley Forge (1777-78).

After his time in the Army, he read law under the famous Chancellor George Wythe in Williamsburg, VA, at the College of William and Mary, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was admitted to the Bar in 1780. He was in private practice in Fauquier County, Virginia before entering politics.

Marshall served briefly in Congress in 1799; was Secretary of State under President John Adams 1800-01; and became the 4th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1801, a position he held until his death. His decision in the case of Marbury vs. Madison became the foundation of judicial power in America. He is now universally known as the Great Chief Justice.

Death and Burial

John Marshall died on 6 July 1835 in Philadelphia, PA, where he was undergoing medical treatment. He is buried at Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond, VA.



Origin of Nickname/Handle:
During his time in the Army, he enjoyed running races with the other soldiers and was nicknamed Silverheels for the white heels his mother had sewn into his stockings.

Honoree ID: 2805   Created by: MHOH

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