John Marshall

There's no debating that the election of 1800 was an important event in American history. The sitting president, John Adams, a Federalist was defeated by Thomas Jefferson a Republican who both believed in majority rule and the support of France against England even in the wake of the horrors of the French Revolution. The Federalist party was divided between the wing of John Adams who believed America should remain neutral just as George Washington had advised and Alexander Hamilton who was advocating on the side of the British.

With the passing of George Washington - the death knell of the Federalist Party was sounded. John Marshall was the last Federalist giant standing serving as Chief Justice through the administrations of five presidents. When Washington died Mount Vernon requested that Marshall give the official eulogy of the founder of the nation.

"When the capitol moved from Philadelphia to Washington in June, Adams departed to spend the summer in Massachusetts and left Marshall in charge. From July through October 1800. Marshall was America's de facto chief executive."

Just getting into it but John Marshall was one interesting guy. His touchstones were simple - he loved George Washington and America.