Frances Wilkins

Little is known of Frances Wilkins’ early life. Her father, James Wilkins, was born enslaved and later purchased his freedom. In 1836, he secured the freedom of his daughters, Frances and Sarah Ann. Two years later, he did the same for his son John and another female relative, Becky.¹ 

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.² It is possible that Frances Wilkins is one of the unidentified family members. There is little else known about Frances’s life at this time.