Sheels, Christopher, 1776-

Person

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1776

Biography

Christopher Sheels was born enslaved in 1776, owned by the estate of Martha Washington's first husband, Daniel Parke Custis. His wife lived at Major Roger West's, south of Great Hunting Creek, near Alexandria. Sheels worked as George Washington’s valet until Washington’s death.

Places

Mansion House Farm (Other)

Topics

Slavery

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Letter, to William Stowry [Stoy], 1797 October 14

Item — Box 13, Folder: 1797.10.14

Identifier: RM-1203

Scope and Contents

George Washington's letter to William Stoy references medical treatment requested for Christopher, Washington’s body servant, who had been bitten by a dog with rabies. Stoy was a minister of the German Reformed Church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He discovered a “cure” for hydrophobia and Stoy’s Drops, a popular cure-all medicine. Celebrated for curing person bit by 'Mad animals,' Stoy successfully treats Christopher.

Dates: 1797 October 14

Found in: Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon / SC-GWC, George Washington collection / Series 1. From George Washington