Thomas Key

Background

Key was the son of Marshall Key, a connection of Chief Justice Marshall, and was born in Mason County, Kentucky., in 1819.

Education

He graduated at Augusta College, Kentucky., and entered Yale College in Sophomore year, where he graduated in 1838.

Career

In 1848 the Commercial Court of Cincinnati was established, of which he served as Judge for five years. While still in this position, the attack on Fort Sumter occurred, and Judge Key took an active and controlling part in securing unanimous action in the Ohio Legislature for the support of the National Government. In this he was brought into contact with General

McClellan, became Judge Advocate on his staff with the rank of Colonel, and received in an unusual degree the confidence of his commander.

He remained in this position while General McClellan continued in command.

While stationed in Washington, he drafted, and promoted the passage of, the bill abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. When McClellan was removed he returned to the labors of his profession in Cincinnati.

Key was married, June, 1858, to Mistress

Elizabeth B. Boylan. He contracted pulmonary disease under the exposure of the Chickahominy and Antietam campaigns, and was never well afterward. He died at Lebanon, Ohio, January

15, 1869. This article incorporates public domain material from the Yale Obituary Record.

Membership

In 1858, Key was elected a member of the Ohio State Senate on the Democratic ticket.

Connections

Partner:

Alphonso Taft