Life

Marshall boys share portrait of famed jurist ancestor

Frank, Jim and Tom Marshall pose with portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall at the Henderson County Heritage Museum.

By Bill Moss, Published: April 8, 2014

Jim, Tom and Frank Marshall, sons of Jim and Cosy Marshall and direct descendants of Chief Justice John Marshall, presented the Henderson County Heritage Museum with a portrait of their ancestor last week.

The Board of Commissioners approved the hanging of the portrait in the vestibule of the courtroom on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse.

John MarshallPresident John Adams nominated Marshall as chief justice on Jan. 20, 1801. He went on to serve for 34 years, longer than any other chief justice. Under his leadership the court drew the main structural lines of the government and during his tenure it developed a unified body of constitutional doctrine.

The portrait has resided in Henderson County for more than 50 years at the home of Jim and Cosy Marshall. Jim was a direct descendant of John Marshall. He and Cosy were beloved members of the community, known for sharing their time, talents and treasure with many charitable and civic organizations and endeavors.

Their three sons decided that the Henderson County Historic Courthouse would be a fitting place for the portrait and have placed it in care of the Henderson County Heritage Museum on long-term loan.