Thomas Marshall Key facts for kids

Thomas Marshall Key (born August 8, 1819 – died January 15, 1869) was an important American politician. He lived during a time of big changes in the United States, especially around the American Civil War.

Early Life and Learning

Thomas Marshall Key was born on August 8, 1819, in Mason County, Kentucky. His father was Marshall Key. Thomas went to college at Augusta College in Kentucky. After that, he studied at Yale College and finished his studies there in 1838.

Key's Career in Law and Politics

After college, Thomas Key moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. He became a lawyer and worked with other lawyers. In 1848, a special court called the Commercial Court of Cincinnati was created. Thomas Key became a judge there and served for five years. He then went back to being a lawyer until the American Civil War started.

Joining the Ohio State Senate

In 1858, Thomas Key was chosen to be a member of the Ohio State Senate. He was part of the Democratic Party. While he was still a state Senator, the attack on Fort Sumter happened. This event started the Civil War.

Helping During the Civil War

Judge Key played a big role in getting the Ohio Legislature to fully support the United States government during the war. Because of this, he met General McClellan. Key became a special legal advisor, called a Judge Advocate, on General McClellan's team. He also had the rank of Colonel. General McClellan trusted him a lot.

While working in Washington, D.C., Thomas Key helped write a very important law. This law was called the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act. It helped to end slavery in Washington, D.C. When General McClellan was no longer in command, Key went back to being a lawyer in Cincinnati.

Later Life and Passing

Thomas Key got married in June 1858 to Mrs. Elizabeth B. Boylan. He became sick with a lung disease while serving during the war, especially during the Chickahominy and Antietam campaigns. He was never fully well after that. Thomas Marshall Key passed away in Lebanon, Ohio on January 15, 1869.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Yale Obituary Record.