William H. Burgess

Containers:
Box 31
Creator:
Leet Bros. and Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union
Extent:
2 Photographic Prints
Language:
English .
Physical description:
Photographic print of William H. Burgess standing under the colonnade at Mount Vernon, c. 1890. Burgess was a bricklayer who worked on multiple projects for the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association from 1885-1893 including repairs to the tomb, Mansion foundation, and deer park wall. A note from Harrison H. Dodge written in pencil on the reverse reads: W. H. Burgess who (when apprentice bricklayer aged 18) helped build the New Tomb at Mt. Vernon, and was present (April 19, 1831) when all remains in the Old Tomb were transferred to the New. He then saw Washington's face when the leaden casket was opened by the family -- I wish to attest the adjoinging statement concerning Burgess for I heard it from his own lips many, many times when he was employed by me on repair work at Mt. Vernon from 1885-1893. Harrison H. Dodge, Supt. Mt. Vernon, March 31, 1897. An additional note: I attest the truth of the above statement, Jas. [James] Young, Asst. Supt., May 16, 1926. The photographer's stamp appears on the reverse.
Dimensions:
4 3/16 in. x 7 in.

Access and use

Location of collection:
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
3600 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Reference services
Phone: (703) 780-3600
Parent restrictions:
This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.