Boy Henry

Information about “boy Henry’s” life outside of the President’s House remains unknown. 

George Washington’s account records reveal that “boy Henry” worked at the President’s House in Philadelphia, likely as an indentured servant, working for a period of contract before gaining his freedom. In July 1793, President Washington acquired several indentured servants from a ship including a “German boy & two women–the former to serve 5 years & the two latter 3 years for their passage,” which totaled $185.16. It is likely this boy was “boy Henry,” serving out five years of a contract.¹ In Washington’s account records, the specific name “boy Henry” appeared several times for items purchased on his behalf, such as a pair of shoes and stockings bought in 1795 and 1796. He no longer appeared in Washington’s household accounts after March 1796.² 

President Washington’s records also include a “Henry” and “boy.” It is likely that these individuals are “boy Henry.” Household account records for Washington primarily include dates, names, and related expenses but they are not exact. Often, individuals' names are spelled differently or they are referred to by multiple names. In February 1795, a pair of shoes were acquired for “boy.”³ It is likely “boy” is the same person as “boy Henry.” In addition, there are numerous entries for “Henry,” beginning in December 1793. These entries are very similar to the items acquired for “boy Henry,” including shoes and stockings. Further, Henry is listed alongside Martin in December for stockings. Martin was a boy that worked in the stables and was likely also indentured. In 1795, “Henry” appeared several times for shoes and for medical care. However, throughout the year the name “boy Henry” appears for shoes and stockings too. It is very likely “boy Henry,” “boy,” and “Henry” were all the same individual.⁴ 

There are two other individuals in Washington’s household named Henry: Henry Waskan and Henry Bohlen. There are points in the records where items were recorded as being purchased for “Henry.” It is unclear which Henry these items were purchased for. It is possible “Boy Henry” is the same individual as Henry Waskan, an individual that also appears in household accounts around the same time. “Boy Henry” and Waskan both are not listed earning wages, but both are regularly supplied clothing items, indicating that they may have been indentured.

Following Washington’s presidency, “boy Henry” appeared again in a letter from Washington’s former steward, Fred Kitt, writing from Philadelphia in 1798: “The Boy Henry & wm Mine died during the contagious disorder.”⁵ “Boy Henry” died from yellow fever and Washington extended his condolences, writing back to Kitt: “sorry to be informed that two, who had been my domestics, had fallen victims to it.”⁶