"All of them worked up there at the Monticello"
Bessie Baskerville Dorsey describes her family's connection to Monticello.
Themes: Monticello, Slavery
Bessie Baskerville Dorsey
Bessie Dorsey was a descendant of Wormley and Ursula Hughes through their grandson Philip Evans Hughes (1853-1925). Mrs. Dorsey lived most of her life in Washington, DC, raising and providing an education to her son, George Harrod, who went on to hold several prominent positions in the federal government. Her relatives have relied on her memories in their exploration of their family history.
Interview Information
25 Jan. 1998, Washington, DC
Interviewees: Bessie Baskerville Dorsey, Calvin Jefferson, Joyce Harrod
Excerpts
"They told me I needed to talk to Aunt Bessie"
Calvin Jefferson describes finally learning of his Hughes ancestors and their connection to Monticello from his cousin, Bessie Baskerville Dorsey.
Theme: Oral History Transmission
"I felt a connection with the land"
Joyce Harrod describes visiting Monticello and her connection to her forebears.
Theme: Monticello
"Everybody’s done well"
Calvin Jefferson and Bessie Dorsey describe their pride in their family's accomplishments and the importance of learning about their ancestors.
Theme: Family
Ancestry
- Elizabeth Hemings 1735-1807
- Betty Brown 1759-post 1831
- Wormley Hughes 1782-1858
- Robert Hughes 1824-1895
- Bessie Baskerville Dorsey 1902-2003
Related People
J. Calvin Jefferson cousin
Joyce Harrod granddaughter