John Marshall Mystery
Overview
Do you know who has Ivanoel Gibbon’s research data?
Do you know who has an original of the photograph of Henry and Elizabeth (Donaldson) Thomas?
According to Elizabeth Brown (Donaldson) Thomas, who lived just a few months shy of 100 years, she was related to Chief Justice John Marshall, who although he was the third chief justice is often referred to as the father of the justice system due to his long service and influence on the system. She also claimed to be related to Vice-President Thomas R. Marshall. If true, she was also likely related to Thomas Jefferson and many more affluent people of that era.
Elizabeth Brown Donaldson’s Claims
John Marshall
Elizabeth told her grandchildren that she was related to John Marshall. Generally, it was told that they were related without a specific relationship. However, one researcher claims, “Grandma Thomas says she was a niece to John Marshall, our first Justice of the Supreme Court. She also says we were related to Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States. Both of these were descendants of Lord Fairfax, who at one time owned almost the whole of Virginia. This family claims also Thomas Marshall, former Vice President of the United States, and Jack Holt the actor.”
Thomas Jefferson
Elizabeth Brown Donaldson also claimed a more distant relationship to Thomas Jefferson. This is consistent with known data as John Marshall was a cousin to Thomas Jefferson.
The Liberty Bell
Elizabeth told the story of John Marshall’s death and the belief that the Liberty Bell was broken when ringing it in honor of him. Although it is not believed by historians to be true, the Liberty Bell tour guide told the same story when I visited Philadelphia. It is possible that she heard or read of the story, but it is also possible that it was passed down in family stories.
Family Names
She had a brother John Marshall Donaldson and her grandfather was Thomas Marshall. (See newspaper articles)
Questions remain as none of this has been proven. Was Elizabeth Brown Donaldson actually related to Chief Justice John Marshal? If she was, what was the connection?