Cyrus, 1775?- (Carpenter)

Person

Staff Only

Biography

Cyrus was enslaved, owned by the estate of Martha Washington's first husband Daniel Parke Custis. He worked as a postilion or groom at Mansion House Farm, and in 1792 was listed as a carpenter. Cyrus was the son of Sall, a housemaid (dower slave). He was married to Lucy, who lived at River Farm and was owned by George Washington.

Places

Mansion House Farm (Other)

Topics

Slavery

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:

Letter, to William Pearce, 1796 December 18

Item — Box 12, Folder: 1796.12.18

Identifier: RM-490-F; MS-4058

Scope and Contents

Lack of rain--Mr. Alexander Smith--Mr. Lear--the ground, where ivy and wild honey suckle are to be planted, is not to be plowed beforehand--Frank, Hercules, and Cyrus--Allison--Washington is displeased with his conduct--would like the new road completed before spring--Mr. Neal continues indisposed and the carpenters do nothing--Sall, Mima and Dick are regularly returned sick--Mr. Anderson expects to arrive by the 27th--clover grass seeds.

Dates: 1796 December 18

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

Letter, to William Pearce, 1795 December 13

Item — Box 10, Folder: 1795.12.13

Identifier: RM-490-F; MS-4026

Scope and Contents

The sickness at Mt. Vernon is abating-tells Pearce to encourage Cyrus to persevere-he is to use money from last year's flour and corn to pay any debts-good price for wheat in Philadelphia-seine twine-Peter choosing two more mules.

Dates: 1795 December 13

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

Letter, to William Pearce, 1795 March 15

Item — Box 9, Folder: 1795.03.15

Identifier: RM-490-F; MS-4000

Scope and Contents On the Sloop Harmony--Capt. Ellwood--Washington has sent 972 1/2 yards of oznabrigs--Mrs. Fanny Washington---Col. Gilpin--Washington has also included various seeds--some rare and valuable--turnips--chiccory--botany bay grass seeds--requests that the gardener use his utmost skill and care--cabbage--lucern--preparing for its arrival--Sammy is to supply the place of Bristol--Cyrus, a dower slave--the children of Daphne--Mr. Smith--one purchaser for the fish--Mrs. Fanny Washington, Dr. Stuart...

Dates: 1795 March 15

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