Sarah Ann Wilkins

Little is known of Sarah Wilkins’ early life. Her father, James Wilkins, was born enslaved and later purchased his freedom. In 1836, he secured the freedom of his daughters, Sarah Ann and Frances. Two years later, he did the same for his son John and another female relative, Becky.¹ Two years after gaining her freedom, Sarah Ann Wilkins married Abraham Sullivan on October 31, 1838, in Fredericksburg, Virginia.² 

The Colored American, a contemporary Black newspaper, reported in November 1841 that James Wilkins was the first Black man to hold the role of chief butler at the White House; he was in fact serving as steward, managing the entire household. It also stated that Wilkins earned $1,700 per year, had his own office in the White House, and that both his son and daughter were employed there, though they are not identified by name.³ It is possible that Sarah Ann Wilkins is one of the unidentified family members. There is little else known about Sarah’s life at this time.