William Foushee
American physician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 October 26, 1749 Northumberland, Virginia, British America |
| Died | August 21, 1824 (aged 74) Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond |
| Spouse | Elizabeth 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
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.
References
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