My Contribution: I assisted with efforts in the Underground Railroad. Alongside my mother, Catherine McClintock, I clothed, fed, and educated freedom seekers. One of those who escaped slavery, Elisha Marshall, became my husband.
My Legacy: I helped to construct a monument dedicated to African Americans who fought in the Civil War, and that monument still stands in Lincoln Cemetery today. I worshipped and served for decades at Wesley Union A.M.E. Zion Church, the church that remains to this day. My family’s multigenerational legacy in Harrisburg continues to resound. I am represented in a mural on the side of Jackson House.
About Me: “She had been a resident of Harrisburg nearly all her life and has been a member of Wesley Union A.M.E Zion for sixty years.” Harrisburg Telegraph, July 25, 1925.
“During the early years of her young womanhood she assisted with the care of the ‘Underground Slaves’ in old Wesley Church. This work was taking place in the midst of terrific conflict over slavery. She with others helped to feed, clothe, and care for sick and well; then helped to establish or sent the slaves on to another station. She often told of the gratitude of escaped slaves but was always very secretive about the details.” from The Descendants of Catherine Yellotz William McClintock, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1770’s (family history compiled by descendant Olive Layton Harris, 1977).
Full Name: Harriet McClintock Marshall
Birth Date: August 14, 1840
Death Date: July 25, 1925
Place of Birth: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Sex: Female
Race: Black (1900 Federal Census) and “Mulatto” (1920 Federal Census).
Places of Residence: Harrisburg: 175 Paxton Street, 708 East Street, and 930 N. 6th Street.
Connection to the Old Eighth Ward: Resident; life-long member of Wesley Union A.M.E. Zion Church (her mother Catherine helped to found the original church).
Family Members: Mother: Catherine McClintock. Husband: Elisha B., m. June 9, 1864. Children: William Marshall, Elisha Marshall, Ellis Marshall, M. Ella Layton. Son-in-Law: Morris H. Layton, Sr. Grandchildren: Dr. A. L. Marshall, Dr. William E. Marshall, Dr. Forrest S. Marshall, Dr. Morris H. Layton, Jr., Marshall L. Layton, Hattie R. Layton McFadden, Ira L. Layton.
Education: Educated at the German School; could read and write according to the federal census.
Occupations: Teacher. Domestic Servant for the Eby Family on Front Street.
Church Membership: Wesley Union A.M.E. Zion Church.
Activism: Underground Railroad.
Connections: William E. Marshall, Catherine McClintock, William H. Layton, M. H. Layton, Sr., M. H. Layton, Jr., Forrest S. Marshall.
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