Lee, William, approximately 1750–1810
Variant namesBiographical notes:
William Lee was the enslaved valet of George Washington for nearly two decades. Washington purchased Lee in 1768, when he was at least sixteen years old. Lee was assigned to household work at Mount Vernon Estate and accompanied Washington when he traveled, including during the American Revolution (1775–1783). The war made Lee, who often rode alongside Washington, well-known to both American and British soldiers. Although Lee was initially taken to New York at the start of Washington's first presidential term in 1789, old injuries to his knees limited his mobility. Lee appears to have married twice and had at least one child, whose identity is unknown.
In 1790 he was sent back to Virginia and assigned to make shoes for the Estate. In Washington's 1799 will, he ordered that Lee be freed immediately at his death and provided a $30 annual pension. As a free man, Lee remained at Mount Vernon until his own death in 1810. He is believed to be buried in the enslaved cemetery at Mount Vernon.
William had a brother, Frank Lee. George Washington purchased and brought to Mount Vernon in 1768.
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Information
Subjects:
- Valets
- Slaves
- Slaves
- Slaves
Occupations:
- Valets
Places:
- New York (State), NY, US
- Mount Vernon, VA, US
