| Notes |
- [Paxton.FTW]
Here, "Aunt Fanny," during the sixteen years of her widowhood, entertained her relatives with profuse hospitality, and Judge J. J. Key, Dr. J. A. McClung and Martin P. Marshall made the old residence a home for all who were of their blood. It was sometimes called the "Federal Hill," on account of the political proclivities of Capt. Marshall and his chosen friends.
(f) Aunt Fanny was a short, stout woman, and full of life and energy. She gathered into her large drawing-room the intelligent, the beautiful and the chivalrous of the West. Many interesting and memorable events transpired under her roof, and make her a historic character. In my early days, when homeless and parentless, I found a welcome and motherly attention on "The Hill." Though Aunt Fanny's temper was terrible in threats, she seldom struck a blow. When I would steal her preserves, her short, heavy form would rise on tiptoe, her head would shake, and her trembling fore-finger would point upon my crouching figure, and wrath and threats would pour as a river; and the next moment the poor orphan child would be led to her larder and treated to delicacies. Her table was prodigal in its abundance, and the more company she had the better she was satisfied. Capt. and Mrs. Marshall lie side by side in the "Hill" cemetery. His epitaph reads:
(g) Thomas Marshall, son of Thomas and Mary Marshall, was born the 27th of October, 1761, and after serving his friends, his family, his country and himself, departed this life the 19th day of March, 1817. To all, especially to the widows and orphans of the poor, to one as a friend, and to the other as a benefactor. To his memory his affectionate widow and children have constructed this monument.
Aunt Fanny was raised an Episcopalian,--was somewhat inclined to the Baptists, but joined the Presbyterian Church, that she might be with her friends. She joined the church in 1818, and from that day her house was the home of all Presbyterian ministers. Her epitaph reads:
Erected to the memory of Mrs. Frances Marshall, who died November 19, 1833, in the 61st year of her age. During the vicissitudes of a long life, chequered, as is the lot of humanity, with much of happiness and more of sorrow, the character of the deceased remained the same. An affectionate wife, a fond mother, an humble but ardent Christian, a warm-hearted and devoted friend, she will long be remembered in that extensive circle of friends and relatives who, for many years met at her hospitable board, and to whom her house was a home. In the bosom of that numerous connection, who had known her worth and shared her affection, she expired calmly, cheerfully, happily, in the full hope of a joyful resurrection.
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Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties
1773 - 1833 (60 years)
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