Ruth, 1729?- (River Farm)

Person

Staff Only

Biography

Ruth, born approximately 1729, was a “laboring woman” at River Farm in 1786 and 1799. She was enslaved, owned by George Washington. She was married to Breechy or Bridgy, who was owned by Martha Washington.

Places

River Farm (Other)

Topics

Slavery

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Letter, to William Pearce, 1794 July 27

Item — Box 8, Folder: 1794.07.27

Identifier: RM-490-F; MS-3969

Scope and Contents Cultivation in corn of the lots in the Mill swamp--corn is not so much an object with Washington as meadow--rushes, alders and other shrubs--inquires of the corn (grown, shoot well and look promising)--particular care taken with the seed of rare ripe corn Washington sent home--Butler--grass seed sown with flax at Union farm--Mr. McNeil (Oneill)--quarry--use of the young mules by the overseers and plowmen--inquiries for particular concerning Ruth, Hannah and Pegg--their being sick several...

Dates: 1794 July 27

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

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