Mary STITH #44982
____ - 1816
DEATH 1816, Virginia, USA
She was the sole beneficiary of her sister Elizabeth Pasteur's estate. She died unmarried and without issue.
Historical Notes
Mary Stith was an independent property owner in Williamsburg as early as 1785. She made her Will in 1813. Her dwelling house and lot were devised to a former slave, Jenny; the tin shop to Jenny's granddaughters, Jenny and Patty Gillett; and the "Woods shop" on the main street to the Bolling sisters. All the devisees were slaves of Mary Stith, which she had liberated. To quote from her will: "my estate ... I dispose of in manner and form following, to wit: All the Coloured people in my family being born my slaves, but now liberated, I think it my duty not to leave them destitute nor leave them unrecompensed for past services rendered to me..." In the will Mary Stith requested burial in the southeast corner of her garden. According to the Architectural Department of Colonial Williamsburg, every part of the lot has been uncovered (except a small area, 15 by 15 feet) and no grave or skeleton was found therein.
Today her house has been restored and is operated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Today her house has been restored and is operated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
She was the sole beneficiary of her sister Elizabeth Pasteur's estate. She died unmarried and without issue.