“My Dear Brother, I wish you to give Howell some advice how to Proseed in regard to two Negroes that Runaway from me a few days before Christmas…” With those words in the early spring of 1794, Betty Lewis informed her brother, George Washington, of a difficult situation. She also provided us with a few … Continue reading The Christmastime Escape of Stephen and Guile
slaves owned by Fielding Lewis
Billy at the Door
In our ongoing series of investigations into the lives of Historic Kenmore’s enslaved community during the Lewis era, we recently uncovered another full identity behind what was once just a name. Once again, close examination of long-forgotten documents and analysis of hidden clues revealed this man’s story, and in a rare turn of events, gave … Continue reading Billy at the Door
Charlotte and the Mercury Pills
As part of our ongoing effort to research the enslaved communities that once lived and worked at Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm, we recently came across some very unusual information pertaining to a young enslaved woman named Charlotte who resided at Kenmore. Charlotte, unfortunately, is a somewhat enigmatic figure. We know only a … Continue reading Charlotte and the Mercury Pills
Abraham and The Ropewalkers: Finding Large Stories in Small Details
The staff of Historic Kenmore & George Washington’s Ferry Farm regularly conducts research into the enslaved communities that existed at both Kenmore and Ferry Farm during the Lewis and Washington family occupations. Most of the surviving information about the enslaved is of a statistical nature – numbers, ages, locations, and luckily, names. In comparison to … Continue reading Abraham and The Ropewalkers: Finding Large Stories in Small Details
Lives & Legacies 