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 byJohn J. Beckley
Personal details
Born
William Foushee

(1749-10-26)October 26, 1749
Northumberland, Virginia, British America
DiedAugust 21, 1824(1824-08-21) (aged 74)
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Resting placeShockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond
Spouse(s)Elizabeth Harmondson
Alma materUniversity of Edinburgh Medical School
ProfessionPhysician
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 Harmondson in Northampton County, Virginia.

The couple had seven children:

  • William Jr.
  • John
  • Nancy
  • Margaret
  • Elizabeth
  • Charlotte
  • Isabella

Isabella went on to marry founder of the Richmond Enquirer, Thomas Ritchie.

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.

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References
  1. Christian, William Asbury (1912). Richmond, Her Past and Present. Richmond, Virginia: L.H. Jenkins. Retrieved 18 March 2013. William Foushee 1782 July.
  2. 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.
  3. Kollatz Jr., Harry (1 July 2014). "Checking Up on the Doctor". DBA Richmond Magazine. Target Communications, Inc. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  4. "Dr. William Foushee – Remarkable Richmonders". The Richmond Tour Guys. The Richmond Tour Guys. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
Political offices
Preceded by
None		 Mayor of Richmond
1782–1783		 Succeeded by
John J. Beckley
Government offices
Preceded by
Marks Underhill		 Postmaster of Richmond
1808–1824		 Succeeded by
James P. Preston
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