Mary Willis Ambler Marshall-–known as “Polly” to her family—was born on March 18, 1766 to Jacquelin Ambler and Rebecca Burwell Ambler. Polly’s early years were characterized by her upbringing in a prominent Tidewater family, and by the impacts of the American Revolution. By age 14, Polly’s father was targeted by the British army and her family spent two weeks fleeing the redcoats.
