Mary Randolf Keith Marshall
On the surface of the “The Art of Portraiture” exhibit, you’ll see exquisite works of art. Including works created by famous Kentucky portrait artist Matthew Harris Jouett, pieces from private collections, or unknown faces and artists. But when you deep dive into the stories behind the faces, the pieces really come to life.
One of the faces greeting you from a gold frame is Mary Randolph Keith Marshall, the wife of Colonel Thomas Marshall. Born in Virginia, she was a descendant of the Randolf family of Virginia. The Randolfs, known for their political involvement with Colonial and Post War Virginia, were one the wealthiest families in the state. Other famous descendant include Thomas Jefferson and Robert E.Lee.
One corner of “The Art of Portraiture” exhibit showing the placement of Mary Keith Randolf Marshall’s portrait
Mary and Thomas married in 1754 and had 15 children! She was a well-educated woman that instilled a love of learning into her children. One of her children, John Marshall, would go on to be the nation’s 4th Supreme Court Justice, and longest serving from 1801 to 1835!
Another son, Alexander Keith Marshall became a prominent Kentucky lawyer; his brother Louis, would become the president of Washington College, now Washington and Lee University.
Federal Hill in Washington, KY
Captain Thomas Marshall, another son, made his way to Mason County after the Revolutionary war. Some family members followed him across state lines including Mary Randolph Marshall. Captain Thomas Marshall built the well-known Washington estate, “Federal Hill”. Both Mary Randolf Keith Marshall and her husband, Col. Thomas Marshall are buried at Federal Hill in the family cemetery along with other family members.
Her story is just one of many buried in the portraits currently on display in the Calvert Gallery. Some of love, many of history, and more than one of scandal and murder are just beyond the stroke of a brush! Stop by Kentucky Gateway Museum Center to learn more.
Join us for our April Saturday Seminar! On April 18th at 10:30, Ginny B Butler will be presenting about the treasures that have been found at Federal Hill and what the Marshall Family has left to be discovered!