Hercules (Posey) Washington (abt. 1748 - 1812)

Born about 1748 in Virginia [uncertain]

Died 15 May 1812 at about age 64 in Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States

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Biography

Hercules (Posey) Washington is Notable.

Hercules Posey was born into slavery about 1748. His last name is the last name of his first owner, John Posey, who was a neighbor of President George Washington’s in Mount Vernon.

Hercules as Ferryman for the Posey's^[1] "On Nov. 27, 1753, Martha Posey, obtained a permit/license from the Colony of Maryland by an Act of Assembly to open a ferry from Marshall Hall to the land in Virginia and they began operating the ferry using their slaves, Jack and Hercules as ferrymen. John and his other slaves began making roads from the various plantations and main roads to the ferry property during the 1755 to 1765 period."

Advertisement of Property of John Posey from which Hercules was one of the 25 slaves on sale^[2]

"Advertisement of Property of John Posey for Sale, 19 October 1769

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY"

Hercules served as head chef for the Washington's for many years both in Mount Vernon and in Philadelphia during the presidency.

"George Washington Parke Custis, George Washington’s step-grandson and ward (and father-in-law of Robert E. Lee) mentioned Hercules in his 1859 memoir. Here he describes Hercules as being a celebrated “artist” who was highly accomplished in the culinary arts. Hercules had special privileges that included selling leftovers from the presidential kitchen to an eager public. These sales generated a salary of nearly 200 dollars a year during George Washington’s terms in office."^[3]

Hercules died (age 64) on 15 May 1812 in Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States.^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ "The Troubles of Captain John Posey of Charles County, Maryland and Fairfax County, Virginia" by James G. Elgin - 2009.
2. ↑ https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/slavery/slavery-database/?purpose=Slave+Sale&person=&skill=&time=&owner=&gender=&location=
3. ↑ https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/washington-hercules-enslaved-cook-george-washington-1755/
4. ↑ Death: "New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949"
   Citing Death, Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States, New York Municipal Archives, New York; FHL microfilm 447,544.
   FamilySearch Record: F69N-GPY (accessed 14 April 2022)
   Hercules Posey death 15 May 1812 (age 64) in Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_Posey

See also: The Netflix series, “High on the Hog”