William T. Crump

William “Billy” Thomas Crump was born in England on July 16,1840. He immigrated to the United States in 1851, and made his way west to Ohio.¹ In 1861, Crump enlisted in the 23rd Ohio Infantry and became an “orderly” for Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes.² On February 29, 1864, he married Anna Shay, and they had several children, including a son named Rutherford.³ 

Crump likely came to the White House sometime in 1878 during Hayes' presidency.⁴ The following year, he was listed as the steward of the Executive Mansion.⁵ In this role, Crump oversaw the domestic staff, fulfilled the needs of the first family, and coordinated security with a team of doorkeepers, guards, and watchmen. A former employee who worked as a cook at the White House sued Crump for slander in 1881. Fowler blamed Crump for her termination, alleging that he told Mrs. Garfield Fowler was “a thief and stole meats and other things.” Fowler sought $10,000 in damages.⁶ 

Crump resigned from his position in May 1882. He “was presented by Colonel [William] Crook, on behalf of the employees, with a gold-headed cane.”⁷ Numerous reports attribute Crump’s declining health as the result of his devoted care for President James A. Garfield. For weeks, Crump moved and hoisted the wounded president to ease his discomfort, resulting in chronic neck and back pain. After leaving the White House, Crump worked in hospitality as a caterer. He died on March 26, 1909, at his home in Washington. He was buried in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.⁸