Washington DC - Genealogy Trails - Edward Wayson, Biography

Washington District of Columbia
Biographies

Edward Wayson
circa 1774 - December 13, 1863
Blacksmith, Washington Navy Yard
Furnished by : John G. Sharp

Edward Wayson (circa 1774 -1863) was born in Maryland circa 1774 and lived in the District of Columbia most of his adult life. He married his Anne (maiden name unkown) 1784-1848. Wayson went to work at the Washington Navy Yard shortly after its founding and his name is found on the 1811 WNY Payroll, the 1819 muster list and the 1829 employee listing .In 1856 Edward Wayson, after working for the Yard for over 50 years almost since it's founding as blacksmith and mechanic he was to be let go apparently due to his age and health. Like other mechanics and workers Edward Wayson could not afford to retire for although he owned property he like most mechanics had little saving and was apparently the sole support for his daughter Elizabeth Reeves and her son Edward W. Steward who was an invalid. All most all employees in America had no retirement except for private savings or the kindness of relatives and friends those who could no longer work at to exist on charity or the county poor house. Fortunately Wayson his friends were able to convince the Secretary of the Navy J. C.Dobbins to reinstate him to his former position where he remained till his death December 13, 1863 age 89. He is buried at the Congressional Cemetery R/50 next to his wife Anne R/34/51 Due to the length of the probate of Edward Wayson's will there may have been challenges to the will by one or more relatives

Congressional Cemetery
Ann Wayson
and daughter Elizabeth "Eliza" Reeves
tombstone

Edward Wayson (circa 1774 -1863) was born in Maryland circa 1774 and lived in the District of Columbia most of his adult life. He married his Anne (maiden name unkown) 1784-1848. Wayson went to work at the Washington Navy Yard shortly after its founding and his name is found on the 1811 WNY Payroll, the 1819 muster list and the 1829 employee listing .In 1856 Edward Wayson, after working for the Yard for over 50 years almost since it's founding as blacksmith and mechanic he was to be let go apparently due to his age and health. Like other mechanics and workers Edward Wayson could not afford to retire for although he owned property he like most mechanics had little saving and was apparently the sole support for his daughter Elizabeth Reeves and her son Edward W. Steward who was an invalid. All most all employees in America had no retirement except for private savings or the kindness of relatives and friends those who could no longer work at to exist on charity or the county poor house. Fortunately Wayson his friends were able to convince the Secretary of the Navy J. C.Dobbins to reinstate him to his former position where he remained till his death December 13, 1863 age 89. He is buried at the Congressional Cemetery R/50 next to his wife Anne R/34/51 Due to the length of the probate of Edward Wayson's will there may have been challenges to the will by one or more relatives
Congressional Cemetery Ann Wayson and daughter Elizabeth "Eliza" Reeves tombstone

Last Will and Testament of
Edward Wayson (circa 1774 - December 13, 1863),
Washington Navy Yard Blacksmith

Transcription:
This transcription was made from a copy of the holographic manuscript of the Last Will and Testament of Edward Wayson, dated 20 March 1854. Edward Wayson died 13 December 1863 and probate began 17 December 1863 and was completed 15 May 1866. Edward Wayson's will is filed in the District of Columbia Orphan's Court (Probate Court) as: Wayson, Edward 1866 Box 36. The spelling, punctuation and the use of ampersands are those of the original documents. Acknowledgement :
My thanks to Mr. Ali Rahmann Archivist, District of Columbia Archives, for generously providing a copy of the Edward Wayson's last will and testament for transcription

John G. Sharp October 4, 2008

Last Will and Testament of Edward Wayson (circa 1774 - December 13, 1863), Washington Navy Yard Blacksmith
Transcription: This transcription was made from a copy of the holographic manuscript of the Last Will and Testament of Edward Wayson, dated 20 March 1854. Edward Wayson died 13 December 1863 and probate began 17 December 1863 and was completed 15 May 1866. Edward Wayson's will is filed in the District of Columbia Orphan's Court (Probate Court) as: Wayson, Edward 1866 Box 36. The spelling, punctuation and the use of ampersands are those of the original documents.		Acknowledgement : My thanks to Mr. Ali Rahmann Archivist, District of Columbia Archives, for generously providing a copy of the Edward Wayson's last will and testament for transcription
John G. Sharp October 4, 2008

Edward Wayson Last Will and Testament
dated 20 March 1854

        Know all men by these presents, that I, Edward Wayson of Washington city in the District of Columbia of sound and disposing mind do make, publish and declare this is my last will and testament.
        It is my will that after my death my just debts shall be faithfully and honorably paid that I may preserve after my death the reputation for honesty that I have endeavored to maintain during life.
        And after the payment of my past debts, including my funeral expenses, I devise and bequeath my property as follows:
        I devise and bequeath to my granddaughter Matilda Fletcher Wayson and her heir, the house and lot situated in said Washington city, and known as Lot two in Square Nine hundred and fifty.
        I devise and bequeath to my afflicted grandson Edward Stewart Wayson, during the term of his natural life, the house and lot where now I reside in said city of Washington, being on lot "L" in Square Nine hundred and three. And I appoint and constitute his mother Eliza Reeves to be trustee for said Edward, and for him, in his name, place and stead to manage said property as she may conceive will best promote his interest and welfare. And upon the death of said Edward then it is my will, that siad property shall be equally divided between my daughters Eliza Reeves, and Matilda Fletcher Robinson, and their respective heirs.
        And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said daughter Eliza Reeves to be sole executor of this my last will and Testament.
        In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal and revoking all previous wills, I do publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named below, on this twentieth day of March Eighteen hundred and fifty four.
his Edward X Wayson mark Signed, sealed, published and declared } by the said Edward Wayson as and for } his last will and testament, in our presence } who/at his request, in his presence, and in } the presence of each other, have hereunto } subscribed our respective names thereto } John Mc Kim May 5/66 Saml A.H. McKim Dec 22, 1863 J. W. McKim May 1st 1866 ======================== District of Columbia } Orphans Court Washington County, to wit } December 22nd 1863 This day appeared Samuel A, H. McKim one of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Edward Wayson late of Washington County aforesaid, deceased and made oath therein on the Holy Evangels of almighty God that he did see the Testator therein named sign, and seal this will that he published, pronounced and declared the same to be his last will and testament; that at the time of so doing he was, to the best of his apprehension of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding; and that his name as witness to the aforesaid will, was signed in the presence at the request of the testator and in the presence of John McKim and J.W. McKim, the other two subscribing witnesses thereto [D.C. Court Clerks notes on back of document re probate actions 1863 -1866] Edward Wayson's last will and Testament 1854 Filed for probate December 17th 1863- Partially probated by SamlA. Hill Mc Kim Dec 22nd 1863 Caveat within partially proven by John W. McKim May 1, 1866 Partailly provedn by John Mckim May 5th 1866. Caveat dismissed with caost fully admitted to probate and record by orders of the Court. Recorded Liber Z CR No.1 folio 180 compared CCHD 3-4-1890

Edward Wayson Last Will and Testament dated 20 March 1854
Know all men by these presents, that I, Edward Wayson of Washington city in the District of Columbia of sound and disposing mind do make, publish and declare this is my last will and testament. It is my will that after my death my just debts shall be faithfully and honorably paid that I may preserve after my death the reputation for honesty that I have endeavored to maintain during life. And after the payment of my past debts, including my funeral expenses, I devise and bequeath my property as follows: I devise and bequeath to my granddaughter Matilda Fletcher Wayson and her heir, the house and lot situated in said Washington city, and known as Lot two in Square Nine hundred and fifty. I devise and bequeath to my afflicted grandson Edward Stewart Wayson, during the term of his natural life, the house and lot where now I reside in said city of Washington, being on lot "L" in Square Nine hundred and three. And I appoint and constitute his mother Eliza Reeves to be trustee for said Edward, and for him, in his name, place and stead to manage said property as she may conceive will best promote his interest and welfare. And upon the death of said Edward then it is my will, that siad property shall be equally divided between my daughters Eliza Reeves, and Matilda Fletcher Robinson, and their respective heirs. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said daughter Eliza Reeves to be sole executor of this my last will and Testament. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal and revoking all previous wills, I do publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named below, on this twentieth day of March Eighteen hundred and fifty four. his Edward X Wayson mark Signed, sealed, published and declared } by the said Edward Wayson as and for } his last will and testament, in our presence } who/at his request, in his presence, and in } the presence of each other, have hereunto } subscribed our respective names thereto } John Mc Kim May 5/66 Saml A.H. McKim Dec 22, 1863 J. W. McKim May 1st 1866 ======================== *District of Columbia* } Orphans Court Washington County, to wit } December 22nd 1863 This day appeared Samuel A, H. McKim one of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Edward Wayson late of Washington County aforesaid, deceased and made oath therein on the Holy Evangels of almighty God that he did see the Testator therein named sign, and seal this will that he published, pronounced and declared the same to be his last will and testament; that at the time of so doing he was, to the best of his apprehension of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding; and that his name as witness to the aforesaid will, was signed in the presence at the request of the testator and in the presence of John McKim and J.W. McKim, the other two subscribing witnesses thereto [D.C. Court Clerks notes on back of document re probate actions 1863 -1866] Edward Wayson's last will and Testament 1854 Filed for probate December 17th 1863- Partially probated by SamlA. Hill Mc Kim Dec 22nd 1863 Caveat within partially proven by John W. McKim May 1, 1866 Partailly provedn by John Mckim May 5th 1866. Caveat dismissed with caost fully admitted to probate and record by orders of the Court. Recorded Liber Z CR No.1 folio 180 compared CCHD 3-4-1890

END NOTES
1822 DC Directory Edward Wayson is listed in the D.C. Directory for 1822 as blacksmith, 8 east near barracks, Navy Yard
1860 DC Directory Edward Wayson listed as blacksmith house at 519 8th street
Edward Wayson Steward died 11 may 1864 age 27 he is buried near his grandfather in Congressional Cemetery R34/50
Elizabeth Wayson Reeves was born circa 1821 and died 1873 she is buried with her mother Ann Wayson ( see above) at Congressional Cemetery R34/51

Washington Navy Yard Blacksmiths Petition October 1812

[circa October 1812]

To the Honorable Paul Hamilton Secretary of the Navy

           The petitions of the undersigned now in the employ of the public at the Navy yard in the city of Washington respectfully represents That your petitioners conceiving themselves very aggrieved in being deprived of the privilege of sending for necessary refreshments during the hours of work as blacksmiths, altho' this business is of such a nature as frequently to require that some refreshments should be allowed , when the constitution is relaxed by excessive heat or exertion That tho the business of your petitioners requires as much skill & industry in them, as is necessary in any other mechanic , the pay of your petitioners is such less in proportion to the services, than that of any other mechanical, & they can see no reason why they should receive less pay & the work provided for than ship carpenters
           Your petitions further complain that they [ar]e now subjected to the insolence of negroes employed in the Navy Yard, altho' no redress is [suffic]iently provided for your petitioners, against the misconduct of blacks. That one of their body was lately threatened with being discharged for having struck a negro who had grossly misbehaved & they conceived that some provision ought to be made for the purpose of restraining the misconduct of blacks & of only employing such as are orderly & absolutely necessary.
           Your petitioners regret that they are compelled to lay such complaints before the Navy Department, but as they materially affect their interest & independence they hope that the redress they pray for will be granted.

[SIGNED] Henry Kurtz Frederick Bopp James Bury * presented this petition Seth Robbinson Edward Wayson Charles Sanderson William Parsons William Ardrey Stanislaus Ridgley Henry Clarke

This petition was recently found in Record Group 45 NARA

Washington Navy Yard Blacksmiths Petition October 1812
[circa October 1812]
To the Honorable Paul Hamilton Secretary of the Navy
The petitions of the undersigned now in the employ of the public at the Navy yard in the city of Washington respectfully represents That your petitioners conceiving themselves very aggrieved in being deprived of the privilege of sending for necessary refreshments during the hours of work as blacksmiths, altho' this business is of such a nature as frequently to require that some refreshments should be allowed , when the constitution is relaxed by excessive heat or exertion That tho the business of your petitioners requires as much skill & industry in them, as is necessary in any other mechanic , the pay of your petitioners is such less in proportion to the services, than that of any other mechanical, & they can see no reason why they should receive less pay & the work provided for than ship carpenters Your petitions further complain that they [ar]e now subjected to the insolence of negroes employed in the Navy Yard, altho' no redress is [suffic]iently provided for your petitioners, against the misconduct of blacks. That one of their body was lately threatened with being discharged for having struck a negro who had grossly misbehaved & they conceived that some provision ought to be made for the purpose of restraining the misconduct of blacks & of only employing such as are orderly & absolutely necessary. Your petitioners regret that they are compelled to lay such complaints before the Navy Department, but as they materially affect their interest & independence they hope that the redress they pray for will be granted. [SIGNED] Henry Kurtz Frederick Bopp James Bury * presented this petition Seth Robbinson Edward Wayson Charles Sanderson William Parsons William Ardrey Stanislaus Ridgley Henry Clarke This petition was recently found in Record Group 45 NARA

Commodore Thomas Tingey To Secretary of The Navy Hamilton

Navy Yard Washtn
7^th Octr 1812

Sir
           I have maturely considered the Petition of the blacksmiths, which you did me the honor to refer to me, and which is herewith return'd.¹
           Their first charge of being deprived of "refreshments" (liquor) while at heavy work, is not well founded. my orders were that, if such indulgence was necessary, they should bring it in with them, on the bell ringing to work, the objection was to the breaking off from work, several boys or men for half an hour at a time, in the course of the day, to bring the liquor from outside the yard.
           In respect to raising their wages to that of the Shipwrights, it behoves me to observe that they, certainly are a valuable set of workmen. most of them of extraordinary ability and industry, but as far as my knowledge goes, I conceive there is no precedent, at any port in the union, where smiths wages are equal to those of shipwrights: and again should we at this time make a rise of wages in any one class, I conceive that all the other will expect it, the same proportions being paid in the different branches from the first establishment of this yard.
           Their third request being granted, would have strong tendency to destroy all organization & discipline in the Yard, my determination being long made known to discharge from this service, any of the men, who should strike another, within the yard. Understanding however that the Negro who was struck , had been extremely careless in his duty & gave provocation thereby, I only observed to the man who struck him, that on a repitition of such an act, I would certainly dismiss him. All of which is respecfully submitted. I have the honor [&c.]

Thos: Tingey

¹Petition not found.
Sources :
Dudley, William S., et al. eds.
The Naval War of 1812: A Documentary History. Vol. 1. Washington, DC: Naval Historical Center, 1985. Page 524
ALS, DNA, RG45, CL, 1812, Vol.3, No. 102

Commodore Thomas Tingey To Secretary of The Navy Hamilton
Navy Yard Washtn 7^th Octr 1812
Sir I have maturely considered the Petition of the blacksmiths, which you did me the honor to refer to me, and which is herewith return'd.¹ Their first charge of being deprived of "refreshments" (liquor) while at heavy work, is not well founded. my orders were that, if such indulgence was necessary, they should bring it in with them, on the bell ringing to work, the objection was to the breaking off from work, several boys or men for half an hour at a time, in the course of the day, to bring the liquor from outside the yard. In respect to raising their wages to that of the Shipwrights, it behoves me to observe that they, certainly are a valuable set of workmen. most of them of extraordinary ability and industry, but as far as my knowledge goes, I conceive there is no precedent, at any port in the union, where smiths wages are equal to those of shipwrights: and again should we at this time make a rise of wages in any one class, I conceive that all the other will expect it, the same proportions being paid in the different branches from the first establishment of this yard. Their third request being granted, would have strong tendency to destroy all organization & discipline in the Yard, my determination being long made known to discharge from this service, any of the men, who should strike another, within the yard. Understanding however that the Negro who was struck , had been extremely careless in his duty & gave provocation thereby, I only observed to the man who struck him, that on a repitition of such an act, I would certainly dismiss him. All of which is respecfully submitted. I have the honor [&c.]
Thos: Tingey

¹Petition not found. Sources : Dudley, William S., et al. eds. The Naval War of 1812: A Documentary History. Vol. 1. Washington, DC: Naval Historical Center, 1985. Page 524 ALS, DNA, RG45, CL, 1812, Vol.3, No. 102

Letter to Secretary of the Navy on behalf of Edward Wayson 29 March 1856

Honorable J. G. Dobbin
Washington, 29 March 1856
Dear Sir
I respectfully request that you will authorize Commodore Forest of the Washington Navy Yard to grant such indulgence to Edward Wayson , now 82 years of age and in feeble health, as may be compatible with the needs of the service and the dictates of humanity. Mr. Wayson has been for more then fifty years a faithful and skilled mechanic in the Yard and assisted in fitting out some of the best ships of the Navy. His life remaining must necessarily be short, but he is too poor to surrender his place as long as he can stand on his feet. He has a widowed daughter dependent upon him. Commodore Forest is disposed to grant the indulgence if authorized.
With great respect your obedient servant.
John S. Gallagher, 232 F St, Washington DC
(John S. Gallagher, 29 March 1856, National Archives and Records Service Record Group 45)
Fortunately, his friend Mr. Gallagher was wrong, and Edward Wayson was not only reemployed but he lived for another ten years, dying, 13 December 1863.age 89 (Evening Star, 15 December 1863)

Letter to Secretary of the Navy on behalf of Edward Wayson 29 March 1856
Honorable J. G. Dobbin Washington, 29 March 1856 Dear Sir I respectfully request that you will authorize Commodore Forest of the Washington Navy Yard to grant such indulgence to Edward Wayson , now 82 years of age and in feeble health, as may be compatible with the needs of the service and the dictates of humanity. Mr. Wayson has been for more then fifty years a faithful and skilled mechanic in the Yard and assisted in fitting out some of the best ships of the Navy. His life remaining must necessarily be short, but he is too poor to surrender his place as long as he can stand on his feet. He has a widowed daughter dependent upon him. Commodore Forest is disposed to grant the indulgence if authorized. With great respect your obedient servant. John S. Gallagher, 232 F St, Washington DC (John S. Gallagher, 29 March 1856, National Archives and Records Service Record Group 45) Fortunately, his friend Mr. Gallagher was wrong, and Edward Wayson was not only reemployed but he lived for another ten years, dying, 13 December 1863.age 89 (Evening Star, 15 December 1863)

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