The Descendants of Elizabeth Hemings
Betty Brown (continued)
Betty Brown’s son Burwell Colbert (l783-c1862), a skilled painter and glazier, was the Monticello butler and personal servant to Jefferson, who bequeathed him his freedom. While his descendants have not yet been located, those of one of his brothers have. Brown Colbert (1785-1833) worked in the Monticello nailery until he was sold, by his own wish, so that he could be united with his wife, Mary. In 1832, Colbert, described as “a pious man & first rate blacksmith,” made the courageous decision to leave Virginia with his wife and younger children to seek freedom on the west coast of Africa. Sadly, most of the family died of fever soon after arrival in Liberia. The Colberts’ older children, who remained in Virginia, gained their freedom at the time of the Civil War. Their descendants include:
 George Edmonson |
 Left to right: Getting Word participant Bill Webb, his wife Eva Kobus-Webb and cousin Marc Washington |
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