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About Our Chapter

Chapter History

John Marshall Chapter, NSDAR, organized in 1892, has a long-standing history in both Louisville and Kentucky. In March 1892, the chapter was granted National Charter No. 4.

There were sixteen organizing members of the John Marshall Chapter. The first officers were: Regent, Mrs. Henry L (Sallie Marshall Ewing) Pope; Secretary, Miss Elvira Sydnor Miller, Treasurer, Mrs. W.A. (Attia Porter) McKnight; Registrar, Mrs. Ewing (Somerville Hayes) Eaches.

Chief Justice John Marshall

John Marshall Chapter, NSDAR, was named for the Patriot John Marshall (1755-1835). He was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States and served on the Supreme Court from 1801-1835. He was the Supreme Court’s most influential Chief Justice, responsible for constructing and defending judicial power and American Federalism. While he was Chief Justice, John Marshall participated in over 1,000 decisions, of which over 500 he wrote himself. His most influential decisions were Marbury v Madison, McCulloch v Maryland, Dartmouth College v Woodward, Cohens v Virginia and Gibbons v Ogden. Prior to his service on the Supreme Court, he served as Secretary of State under President John Adams and in the House of Representatives. He also served under General George Washington in the Revolutionary War during the harsh winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. During his time in the military he rose to the rank of Captain. Many of the charter members were his descendants.

Today's John Marshall

John Marshall Chapter, NSDAR, is the largest chapter in Kentucky with over 475 active members. We are involved in the Greater Louisville community in many different ways.

We strive to take an active role in the community, furthering the mission of the NSDAR through service hours in everything from education to animal rescue.

We support our military and it’s veterans, educate children in classrooms about American history, and help to preserve historic buildings in the Louisville area.

Our chapter follows the NSDAR philosophy of volunteerism, receiving the National Gold Honor Roll for over 20 consecutive years.

Our chapter holds regular monthly meetings during the day, where we conduct chapter business and have varied programs of interest to our members. To find out more about our meetings, time and place, contact our chapter representative.