Robert Hemmings (1762 - 1819)

Born 1762 in Virginia [uncertain]

Ancestors

Died 1819 at about age 57 in United States

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Biography

Robert was the first child of Betty's liaison with her slave owner John Wayles.

Betty and her children became the property of Martha and Thomas Jefferson after Wayles' death in 1773 and only a matter of a few weeks later, at 11 yrs of age, Bob became part of the Jefferson domestic staff, serving as Jefferson's bodyservant by 1775

Robert purchased his freedom from Thomas Jefferson in 1794 for $200, being advanced the purchase price by Dr George Stras, the deed of manumission kept until Bob paid for his freedom in service to Stras, fulfilling his engagement in 1799.

Bob and his wife Dolly had 2 children, Elizabeth and Martin.

Sources