| Birth name | William Foushee |
|---|---|
| Order | 1st |
| Office | Mayor of Richmond, Virginia |
| Term start | July 3, 1782 |
| Term end | June 30, 1783 |
| Successor | John J. Beckley |
| Birth date | October 26, 1749 |
| Birth place | Northumberland, Virginia, British America |
| Death date | August 21, 1824 (aged 74) |
| Death place | Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond |
| Spouse | Isabella Harmondson |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh Medical School |
| Profession | Physician |
William Foushee Sr. (October 26, 1749 – August 21, 1824) was an American physician and politician. After serving as a surgeon in the American Revolution, he entered local politics in Virginia, serving as the first Mayor of Richmond from 1782 to 1783.[1][2] He also served as the postmaster of Richmond from 1808 to 1824.
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 a surgeon during the American Revolutionary War.[3] He served as President of the Medical Society of Virginia. He was also a first mover in the newly discovered smallpox inoculation.[4]
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
- ^ Christian, William Asbury (1912). Richmond, Her Past and Present. Richmond, Virginia: L.H. Jenkins. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
William Foushee 1782 July.
- ^ Nuckols, Robert R. (1899). A History of the Government of the City of Richmond, Virginia and a Sketch of Those Who Administer Its Affairs. Richmond, Virginia: The Williams Printing Co. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
- ^ Kollatz Jr., Harry (1 July 2014). "Checking Up on the Doctor". DBA Richmond Magazine. Target Communications, Inc. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ^ "Dr. William Foushee – Remarkable Richmonders". The Richmond Tour Guys. Retrieved 25 December 2015.