Ben, 1729?- (River Farm)

Person

Staff Only

Biography

Ben was born approximately 1729, and was enslaved, and was owned by the estate of Martha Washington's first husband, Daniel Parke Custis. He appears to have been a "labouring man" at River Farm in both 1786 and 1792. He was married to Peg, owned by George Washington.

Places

River Farm (Other)

Topics

Slavery

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Letter, to William Pearce, 1795 July 5

Item — Box 10, Folder: 1795.07.05

Identifier: RM-490-F; MS-4012

Scope and Contents

Washington plans to come to Mt. Vernon about the middle of the month--dormant windows on each side of the pediment--front side of the stable--Donaldson--grain and hay--Davy's lost lambs--very suspicious appearance--he has some sly, cunning and roguish negroes under him--asks how Ben at the mill is employed--Ruth and Ben at the River farm--both Pearce and Groves are ill.

Dates: 1795 July 5

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