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Lot #160
Lawrence Washington Estate Accounting Document

Accounting record of George Washington's cousin's management of a Virginia estate

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Estimate: $500+
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Description

Accounting record of George Washington's cousin's management of a Virginia estate

Manuscript DS signed "William Hutt," one page, 7.75 x 12.5, February 9, 1837. Contemporary copy of executor Lawrence Washington’s account with Daniel Payne’s estate, accounting for Washington’s management of Payne’s estate from January 1836 to January 1837. The document logs debits and credits for a wide array of items, including the services of a midwife and a blacksmith, the hiring out of slaves, an overseer’s wages, making a coffin for a child, and merchandise such as spinning wheels and ploughs.

In part: "Pursuant to the annexed order of the county court of Westmoreland I have examined stated and settled the executorship account of Lawrence Washington on the estate of Daniel Payne decd as exhibited herewith, and find a balance of three thousand six hundred and ninety six dollars and fourteen cents due from the said estate to the executor, with interest thereon from the 2d day of February 1837. The acct as stated is supported by proper vouchers with the exception of a few items of small amount which were allowed on the oath of the executor. In consequence of the additional trouble (beyond the ordinary duties of an advisor) imposed on the executors in the care and management of the real estate of their testator, and in the settlement of the diversified transactions of the estate a commission of seven and a half per cent has been allowed on the amount of receipts." In very good to fine condition, with splitting along the hinge.

Lawrence Washington (1791-1875) was born in Virginia as the son of Henry Washington and Sarah West Washington. Lawrence Washington married Sarah Taylor (1800-1886) in 1819. They had at least eleven children, including Henry Augustine Washington (1820-1858), who was a professor of history, political economy, and international law at William and Mary College. Lawrence Washington was an attorney in Westmoreland County. He was a second cousin, thrice removed of President George Washington. Their common ancestor, Colonel John Washington (1632-1677), migrated from England to Virginia in 1657, and became the patriarch of the Washington family in America. He was the great-grandfather of President George Washington and the 4th great-grandfather of this Lawrence Washington.

Daniel Payne (1790-1835) was a planter and merchant in Westmoreland County, Virginia. In 1830, he owned 61 slaves. At his death in December 1835, he was a partner in the firm of Stewart & Payne.

William Hutt (1801-1850) served as clerk of the courts, commissioner in chancery, and treasurer of the poor schools in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Art and Literature
  • Dates: #610 - Ended June 16, 2021