John Ross Key facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Ross Key
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| Born | September 19, 1754 |
| Died | October 11, 1821 (aged 67) |
| Resting place | Mount Olivet Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer, officer, judge |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Phoebe Penn Dagworthy Charlton |
| Children | Francis Scott Key Anne Arnold Phoebe Charlton Key John Alfred Key |
| Parent(s) | Francis Key Ann Arnold Ross |
John Ross Key (born September 19, 1754 – died October 11, 1821) was an important American figure. He was a lawyer, a military officer, and a judge. He is also famous for being the father of Francis Scott Key, who wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Contents
Who Was John Ross Key?
His Early Life
John Ross Key was born in a place called Redland, Maryland. His parents were Francis Key and Ann Arnold Ross. His mother, Ann, was a very important person in the life of his son, Francis Scott Key. Francis lived with her near Annapolis when he was going to school there.
His Military Career
John Ross Key joined the military on June 21, 1775. He became a second lieutenant in a Maryland Rifle Company. This company was one of the first groups of soldiers from outside New England. They went to help George Washington during the siege of Boston in 1775. By 1781, Key had become a captain. He led a group of cavalry soldiers from Frederick County. This was during the Yorktown Campaign, a major event in the American Revolutionary War.
His Law Career
After his military service, John Ross Key became a justice of the peace. This meant he helped keep order and settle small legal issues. He later became a judge. He served as an associate justice in a large judicial district. This area included Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties.
His brother, Philip Barton Key, was also a lawyer. Philip helped his nephew, Francis Scott Key, start his law studies. Francis studied law with Judge Jeremiah Chase. Later, Francis and Judge Chase became partners in a law firm in Georgetown. Francis took over the law practice completely when his uncle ran for Congress.
His Family Life
John Ross Key married Ann Phoebe Penn Dagworthy Charlton. They got married in Frederick on October 19, 1775. They had six children together. However, only three of their children lived to be adults. These were Francis Scott Key, his sister Anne Arnold Phoebe Charlton Key, and John Alfred Key. Anne later married Roger Brooke Taney.
His Death
John Ross Key passed away at the age of 67. He died in Frederick City, Maryland. He was buried there at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
