Lewis Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis Washington
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| Born | November 30, 1812 |
| Died | October 1, 1871 (aged 58) |
| Parent(s) | George Corbin Washington Elizabeth Beall |
| Relatives | George Washington (great-granduncle) William Augustine Washington (grandfather) Augustine Washington (great-grandfather) |
Lewis William Washington (November 30, 1812 – October 1, 1871) was a great-grandnephew of the first U.S. President, George Washington. He was a wealthy landowner who owned a large farm and enslaved people. Today, he is mostly remembered because he was taken hostage during John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. He was the most important hostage, so he spoke for the others. He also gave his testimony in the trial that followed.
Lewis Washington was the son of George Corbin Washington. His great-grandfather was Augustine Washington, Jr, who was George Washington's half-brother. Lewis inherited a large estate called Beall-Air near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. He lived there from 1840 until he passed away in 1871. The old mansion is still standing today and is used for events.
The Harpers Ferry Raid: A Hostage Story
Lewis William Washington owned several special items that once belonged to George Washington. These included a sword said to be a gift from Frederick the Great and a pair of pistols from Lafayette.
John Cook, who was part of John Brown's group, became friends with Washington. Cook noticed these valuable items and also the enslaved people at Beall-Air. John Brown was very interested in the Washington family treasures.
On October 16, 1859, during Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, some of his men, led by Cook, went to Beall-Air. They took the sword and pistols, along with Washington himself. They also took three of Washington's enslaved people. The hostages were then taken to Harpers Ferry. They were held at Brown's base in the fire engine house of the Harpers Ferry federal arsenal. Everyone survived being held captive. Washington was able to identify Brown to the Marine rescue team.
After the Raid: Lewis Washington's Role
During John Brown's trial, Lewis Washington was called as a witness. He told the court that Brown treated his hostages well. He also said that Brown gave orders not to harm regular citizens.
When the American Civil War started, Washington supported the Confederacy. On July 17, 1865, President Andrew Johnson officially pardoned him.
Many items from Lewis Washington's collection of George Washington's belongings were later given to the New York State Library. This included the sword and the Lafayette pistols.
Lewis Washington was married twice. First, he married Mary Ann Barroll, and later, he married Ella Bassett. He had two sons and two daughters who survived him:
- James Barroll Washington, who fought in the Confederate army.
- Mary Ann Washington (who married Henry Irving Keyser).
- Eliza Ridgeley Washington (who married Elias Glenn Perine).
- William De Hertbrun Washington.
