Frederick Kitt

There is no known information about Frederick “Fred” Kitt’s early life. Fred Kitt worked for George Washington at the President’s House in Philadelphia as the steward from 1794-1797.¹ In this role, Kitt was responsible for running the household. He appeared in numerous account records for the President’s House, purchasing supplies and managing domestic workers. Each week between $100-$300 dollars was allotted to Kitt to “pay his accounts”. He often hired individuals on a short term basis to fill in where needed. For example, in September 1796, Kitt hired a waiter for three days, and then also briefly hired a cook and washerwoman. His wife, likely named Mary Kitt, also worked in the household. They were often paid together for their work, typically earning $50.00 per month.² 

When Washington left the presidency in March 1797, Kitt accepted a position with the Bank of the United States in Philadelphia but still kept in touch with Washington.³ In January 1798, Kitt received a letter from the former president inquiring about Hercules Posey, an enslaved chef who previously worked at the President’s House. In 1797, Hercules self-emancipated from Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation. A year later, Washington still hoped to find him, writing to Kitt, “Continue your enquiries, I pray you, after Herculas; and if you should find it necessary, hire some one who is familiar with his haunts, to trace them out…” In the same letter, Washington also praised Kitt and his new position with the Bank of the United States, “I am glad to hear you have a birth at the Bank. I hope it is such an one, as will enable you to live comfortably.” ⁴ Frederick Kitt died later in 1798. ⁵