White House Historical Association

George S. Joice

Ask a Historian Download as PDF
Cite this Page
"George S. Joice," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/439.
Positions
Doorkeeper
Messenger
Years in President's House
1869 – 1875
Legal Status
Free Person
Gender
Male
Race/Ethnicity
Unclear from Context
Presidency
Ulysses S. Grant
Biography
George S. Joice of Unadilla, New York served in the Union Army and was badly wounded during the Civil War. Afterward, President Ulysses S. Grant hired him as a messenger at the White House around 1869, though he still struggled with his injuries from the war.1 He served at the Executive Mansion for six years and is sometimes listed as a doorkeeper.2 Newspapers reported that “while in Washington he was a general favorite among associates, and, on account of his faithfulness to his duties and gentlemanly qualities, had attracted the favorable attention of Mrs. Grant.” The article goes on to share that First Lady Julia Grant sent $100 per month to Joice’s family to provide for his family.3 Joice died from causes related to his Civil War injuries on September 13, 1875; he is buried at Union Cemetery in Otsego County, New York.4 After his passing, President Grant arranged for Joice’s widow, Ellen, to be employed with the Treasury Department.5
  1. John Y. Simon, "The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 27: January 1-October 31, 1876" (2005). Volumes of The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant 26, pg. 348, https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/usg-volumes/26; George Joice in New York, U.S., State Census, 1875, Ancestry.com. New York, U.S., State Census, 1875 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.
  2. Ibid.
  3. “One of Mrs. Grant’s Silent Deeds,” Racine Journal (Wisconsin), September 26, 1877, 1.
  4. George S. Joice in New York, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999, Letters Testamentary and of Administration, 1816-1890; Author: New York. Surrogate's Court (Otsego County), Ancestry.com; “George S. Joice,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78631195/george-s.-joyce. Note that the year of burial is incorrect on this website.
  5. John Y. Simon, "The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 27: January 1-October 31, 1876" (2005). Volumes of The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant 26, pg. 348, https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/usg-volumes/26
Birthplace
Unclear from Context
Union Cemetery