John Churchill Duke of Marlborough

Marlborough commanded the allies during the War of the Spanish Succession. It is said "he never fought a battle that he did not win, and never besieged a place that he did not take." A string of successful battles led to a captain’s commission, and later many more honors, including a peerage. Later he was created a Duke by Queen Anne. He married Sarah Jennings, who would come to fiercely represent his interests at court while he was off fighting on the Continent. The Churchills lived through several monarchs, occasionally falling in and out favor. Marlborough was a national hero.