The Fossett Family

Joseph Fossett was a son of Mary Hemings Bell (daughter of Elizabeth Hemings). Bell lived in Charlottesville as a free person after Jefferson sold her to her white common-law husband, though he was unwilling to sell Joseph and his sister Betsy. Fossett’s efficiency as a nail-maker and house servant led to his training as a blacksmith at age 16. As head blacksmith during Jefferson’s retirement, Joseph Fossett worked at an anvil in the blacksmith’s shop.

During Jefferson’s presidency, Fossett’s wife, Edith Hern, lived in Washington to learn French cooking. Three of the Fossetts’ ten children were born in the White House. In 1806, Jefferson reported that Joseph Fossett had run away from Monticello, failing to realize he was running to his wife in Washington. When Jefferson retired, the Fossetts became head cook and blacksmith at Monticello. Jefferson freed Joseph Fossett in his will, but Edith and seven of their children were sold.