William Foushee

William Foushee Sr. (October 26, 1749 – August 21, 1824) was an American medical doctor, politician, and socialite. After serving with distinction as a surgeon in the American Revolution, he entered into local Virginia politics, notably serving as the first Mayor of Richmond.^[1][2] He went on to become a political, social, and commercial leader in Richmond for the next half century of his life.

William Foushee
1st Mayor of Richmond, Virginia
In office July 3, 1782 – June 30, 1783
Succeeded by	John J. Beckley
Personal details
Born	William Foushee (1749-10-26)October 26, 1749 Northumberland, Virginia, British America
Died	August 21, 1824(1824-08-21) (aged 74) Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Resting place	Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond
Spouse	Isabella Harmondson
Alma mater	University of Edinburgh Medical School
Profession	Physician
Signature

Early life

Foushee was born to John Foushee and Winifred (Williams) Foushee on October 26, 1749, in Northumberland County, Virginia.

A third-generation Virginian, Foushee's paternal grandfather James immigrated from France.

Marriage and children

On March 6, 1775, Foushee married Elizabeth Isabella Harmanson in Northampton County, Virginia.

The couple had seven children:

• Dr. John Harmanson Foushee (c.1776–1812), unknown if married
• Nancy Foushee (c.1779–1796), never married
• Dr. William Foushee Jr. (1784–1835), married Lucy Lawrence
• Elizabeth Foushee (1786–1859), married Richard E. Parker, who was at various times a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates, a Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, and a U.S. Senator
• Charlotte Foushee (c.1787–1822), married Williams Carter, a son of Charles Hill Carter of Shirley Plantation and brother of Anne Hill Carter, who was the mother of Confederate General Robert E. Lee
• Isabella Foushee (1789–1865), married Thomas Ritchie, who was the founded of the Richmond Enquirer
• Margaret Foushee (c.1794–1822), married William C. Parker, a brother of the aforementioned Richard E. Parker

Career

Physician

Foushee was highly regarded in the medical profession. He was a surgeon during the American Revolutionary War.^[3] He was at one time President of the Medical Society of Virginia. He was also a first mover in the newly discovered smallpox inoculation.^[4]

Mayor of Richmond

Later years and death

Foushee's grave at Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond

For the last sixteen years of his life, Foushee served in the capacity of Richmond's postmaster. He was appointed to that position on June 20, 1808, by President Jefferson.

On August 21, 1824, Foushee died in his home. His body is interred at Shockoe Hill Cemetery on Shockoe Hill in Richmond.