Portraits/Biographies of Regent and Vice Regents to 1874

Here are portraits of the Regent and most of the 54 Vice Regents appointed up until 1874. Additionally, there are brief biographies for many of the Vice Regents appointed in 1858, the first year the Association began making major payments for the estate, through 1874. Click for a larger picture or biography. The Vice Regents' biographies are arranged by state.

Regent

1853-1874, Ann Pamela Cunningham

The story of the origin of her interest in Mount Vernon begins with a letter written by her mother from Rosemont after a homeward journey from Philadelphia where she had left Ann Pamela. The letter is reported to have read as follows: It was a lovely moonlit night that we went down the Potomac. I went on deck as the bell tolled and we passed Mount Vernon. I was painfully distressed at the ruin and desolation of the home of Washington, and the thought passed through my mind: Why was it that the women of his country did not try to keep it in repair, if the men could not do it? It does seem such a blot on our country.

Inspired by her mother's idea, Miss Cunningham penned at once her First Appeal, signed A Southern Matron, and the movement began. During the subsequent years, Miss Cunningham threw herself into the effort with an energy and unselfish devotion which called forth the admiration of such distinguished leaders as Edward Everett, James Pettigru, and William Yancey, all of whom were inspired by this fragile and courageous southern gentlewoman to further her cause. Her dedication to this patriotic crusade was a constant source of inspiration to the loyal group of ladies whom she appointed as her Vice-Regents. Until the last year of her life she presided over the Grand Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and lived to see the fruition of its purpose and the solid foundation of an Association dedicated to the high principles which she outlined in her Farewell Address to her colleagues.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

Vice Regents

Alabama

1858-1877, Mrs. Henry S. LeVert

Octavia Walton (1810-1877), daughter of a Governor of Florida, and granddaughter of George Walton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1836 she married Dr. Henry S. Le Vert, son of General Rochambeau's staff surgeon in the American Revolution. Elegantly educated and widely traveled, Madame Le Vert spoke several foreign languages. Knowing many of the famous people of her day, she attracted much attention here and in Europe, including particular courtesies from Queen Victoria. A visit to the home of the great Italian poet, Ariosto, inspired her to join in the crusade to save Mount Vernon. Her own writings, constant appeals, and great personal charm enlisted wide support. She was the fourth Vice Regent appointed and served until her death.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

A portrait of LeVert painted by Thomas Sully is at the Historic Mobile Preservation Society, and may be seen on their website . 

Arkansas

1859-1866, Mrs. Robert Ward Johnson

1872-1878, Mrs. C. L. Scott

California

1859-1884, Mrs. William Blanding

Connecticut

No picture is known to exist.

1858-1864, Mrs. Samuel G. Goodrich

Mary Boott (1805-1868) daughter of Francis Boott and Mary Turnaley of Derby, England, who came to Massachusetts shortly after their marriage. Francis Boott joined his cousin, Kirke Boott, noted manufacturer, who had established the famous factories at Lowell, Massachusetts. In 1826, Mary Boott became the wife of Samuel Griswold Goodrich of Connecticut, well-known editor and author who  wrote under the pen-name of Peter Parley. Mr. Goodrich served for some years as American Consul in Paris. The close friendship of Mrs. Goodrich with Edward Everett was an important factor in gaining his support for the Mount Vernon cause. From her home in Southport, she sent her appeal to the people of Connecticut; it received wide acceptance and a substantial sum was raised. One of her most ardent workers was Lydia Sigourney, the author and poetess. Mrs. Goodrich was the thirteenth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. She resigned in 1864.  No picture of Mrs. Goodrich is known to exist.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1870-1913, Mrs. Susan E. Johnson Hudson

Delaware

1858-1888, Mrs. Joseph P. Comegys

Margaret Ann Douglas (1816-1888), niece of John M. Clayton, Secretary of State under President Taylor. In 1837 she married Joseph P. Comegys, a Dover lawyer, who later became Chief Justice of Delaware. Both Mrs. Cornegys and her husband worked hard for the Mount Vernon cause. The lifelong friend of Miss Cunningham, she was one of the guiding powers in the Association for many years. Her clear perception, courageous nature, and complete dedication to the work did much to make it a success. The wise counseling of Judge and Mrs. Comegys was especially valuable during the dark years of war. The eighteenth Vice Regent appointed, she served for 30 years. She was succeeded by her daughter, who later became Fourth Regent of the Association.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

District of Columbia

1858-1868, Mrs. George W. Riggs

Janet Madeleine Cecilia Shedden (1815-1871), though the daughter of British parents connected with high nobility  was born an American and remained ever loyal to the land of her birth. In 1840 she married George W. Riggs of Washington, D. C., a member of an eminent banking family. Since the Association's charter contained no provision for a representative from the District of Columbia, Miss Cunningham appointed her an Acting Vice Regent. Her husband was the first Treasurer of the Association. Occupying a position of great prominence in Washington, with impressive resources at her command, her singular worth as a woman of character and great charity was marked by an unselfish devotion to the Mount Vernon cause, particularly during the years of war. In 1867 she was appointed a full Vice Regent, but ill health forced her resignation a year later.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1873-1912, Mrs. Joseph K. Barnes

Florida

1858-1867, Mme. Achille Murat

Catherine Daingerfield Willis (1803-1867), born at Fredericksburg, Virginia, the great-niece of General Washington. Her first marriage in 1821 was to Atcheson Gray (died 1822). In 1826 she married Prince Achille Murat, nephew of Napoleon. Though she was received at the various courts of Europe, she remained a patriotic American, declining a palace and other honors offered her by the Emperor of France. From her plantation near Tallahassee, she carried forward her campaign to raise funds for Mount Vernon. She was the twelfth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. Madame Murat served until her death in 1867.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1868-1884, Mrs. David Levy Yulee

Georgia

1858-1889, Mrs. William J. Eve

Philoclea Edgeworth Casey (1819-1889), daughter of Dr. John A. Casey, a Georgia physician, and descendant of the Berrien family of New Jersey, friends of General and Mrs. Washington. She became the wife of William J. Eve of Augusta. These personal associations were an important factor in the work she undertook for the purchase of Mount Vernon. From her home at Augusta she carried forward the appeal of her kinswoman, Miss Cunningham, with unremitting effort. Endowed with executive ability, charm, and intellect, Mrs. Eve was the third Vice Regent appointed. She was one of the very earliest supporters of the work, and served as Vice Regent for 31 years.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

Illinois

1859-1883, Mrs. William Barry

Mrs. Barry prepared an elaborately hand-wrought memorial volume about the Illinois Vice Regency, in which Abraham Lincoln is listed in the Gentlemen's Advisory Committee. This memorial is now in the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association collections.

From Mount Vernon Is Ours: The Story of its Preservation  by Elswyth Thane. New York:  Duell, Sloan, and Pearce, 1966.

Indiana

1859-1880, Mrs. Graham Newell Fitch

Iowa

1858-1870, Mrs. VerPlanck Van Antwerp

Jane Maria Yates (1815-1870), daughter of John Van Ness Yates, of Albany, and granddaughter of Robert Yates, member of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. She married General Verplanck Van Antwerp, also of Albany. He took an active part in Indian affairs, and settled at Keokuk, Iowa, about the year 1840. During the Civil War he was distinguished for gallantry in the Missouri and Arkansas campaigns. Mrs. Van Antwerp engaged in a most active campaign for Mount Vernon, issuing a number of appeals to the people of Iowa. She was the seventeenth Vice Regent to be appointed and was one of the small but faithful group who received the Regent at the 1866 meeting and helped her to resume the great work that had begun before the war. Mrs. Van Antwerp served until her death.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1872-1873, Mrs. John F. Dillon

Kentucky

1858-1885, Mrs. Alexander Jeffrey

Rosa Griffith Vertner (died 1894), daughter of John T. Griffith, eminent lawyer of Natchez, Mississippi, and granddaughter of Dr. James Abercrombie who had been sent to Pennsylvania by King George III to establish the English Church in that colony. As an infant, she was adopted by her maternal aunt, Mrs. Daniel Vertner of Lexington, Kentucky, whose name she assumed. Her first husband was Claude M. Johnson of Louisiana. Her second marriage was to Alexander Jeffrey, a native of Scotland. Her appointment by Miss Cunningham as twenty-second Vice Regent won wide acclaim in Kentucky. Distinguished for her great beauty and social grace, she was also recognized for her ability as a writer. She conducted a very successful campaign for the Mount Vernon cause. Mrs. Jeffrey was among the last survivors of the original group, serving for 36 years as a member of the Association.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

Louisiana

1858-1872, Mrs. Isaac E. Morse

Margaretta Smith Wederstrandt (1816-1893), was born in Maryland.   Her Swedish grandfather gave valuable aid to the Continental Army during the Revolution. Taken to Louisiana at the age of six, she was raised on a vast sugar plantation. In 1835 she married Isaac E. Morse, eminent lawyer and political figure in that state and later American Minister to New Granada. Mrs. Morse was a most forceful, energetic, intelligent woman. She visited every parish in Louisiana, raising funds for Mount Vernon. Hers was Miss Cunningham's sixth appointment.  She resigned in 1872.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1873-1876, Mrs. David Urquart

Maine

1858-1866, Mrs. Josiah S. Little

1866-1908, Mrs. Lorenzo M. Sweat

Maryland

1866-1891, Miss Emily Harper

Massachusetts

1858-1865, Mrs. Horatio Greenough

Louisa Ingersoll Gore (1812-1891), daughter of John Gore, Jr. and Mary Green Babcock of Boston, and grand-niece of Christopher Gore of Gore Place, Waltham, eminent diplomat and Governor of Massachusetts. In 1837 she married Horatio Greenough, one of America's most celebrated sculptors. He gained fame here and in Europe and is remembered today for his statue of Washington and other sculpture in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Greenough was the tenth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. Her home at Cambridge, long a center for the great intellectuals of New England, was an ideal place from which to direct her Mount Vernon appeals. She was able to raise tremendous sums in Massachusetts. In 1858 she sailed for Europe, and in 1865 she resigned from the Association. She died in Paris, December 18, 1891.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

Michigan

1858-1877, Mrs. Elon Farnsworth

Hannah Blake (died 1879), a native of Keene, New Hampshire. In 1830 she became the wife of Elon Farnsworth of Detroit, leading lawyer in Michigan with the most extensive law practice in the Northwest. In 1836 he became the first Chancellor of Michigan, and later served as Attorney General. Mrs. Farnsworth was the nineteenth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. She was an extremely active member of the Association and solicited funds for Mount Vernon in many parts of her state. She served for 21 years.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

Minnesota

1859-1869, Mrs. Henry H. Sibley

Sarah Jane Steele (1823-1869), daughter of James and Mary Steele of Chester County, Pennsylvania.  In 1834 she married Henry Hastings Sibley who was later elected as the first governor of Minnesota.  Recommended to Ann Pamela Cunningham as “admirably qualified,” Miss Cunningham offered the position of Vice Regent for Minnesota to Mrs. Sibley in 1856.  She was the twenty-fourth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham.  Mrs. Sibley embraced her new role by appointing Lady Managers to assist her in fundraising efforts for Mount Vernon throughout Minnesota.  Despite Mrs. Sibley’s failing health and view that another Minnesotan lady would be more effective, Miss Cunningham refused to accept her resignation from the Association.  Mrs. Sibley, therefore, served as a Vice Regent until her death in 1869.  In 1889 Mrs. J. Scott Laughton, Second Regent, appointed Rebecca Flandreau as the new Vice Regent for Minnesota.  Mrs. Flandreau was one of Mrs. Sibley’s original Lady Managers.

Information drawn from David M. Grabitske, “First Lady of Preservation: Sarah Sibley and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association,” Minnesota History 58/8 (Winter 2003-04): pp 407-416, and David M. Grabitske, “Sarah Jane: A Lady’s Frontier in Minnesota,” Midwest Open Air Museums Magazine, Vol. XX, No. 3 (1999): pp. 20-32.

Mississippi

1858-1873, Mrs. William McWillie

Catherine Anderson (1812-1873), daughter of Dr. Edward H. Anderson of Camden, South Carolina, and granddaughter of a distinguished officer of the Maryland Line. She married William McWillie who became Governor of Mississippi in 1858. Widely known throughout the South, she fulfilled her role in a manner entirely commensurate with the public and professional career of her husband. Her Mount Vernon appeal was answered from all parts of the state with gratifying loyalty. She was the fifth Vice Regent appointed and served until her death.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

No picture is known to exist.

1873-1885, Mrs. William Balfour

Missouri

1858-1867, Mrs. Robert R. Walton

Elizabeth M. Walton (died 1867), the wife of Robert R. Walton of St. Louis, was a leading figure in the social life of that city. She was the eighth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. She took a most active part in raising funds for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Through her efforts the legislature of Missouri appropriated $2,000, which is believed to have been the only official state contribution to the fund. She also solicited a contribution from George Peabody, the famous London banker and philanthropist. Soon after the death of her husband in 1858, Mrs. Walton resigned as Vice Regent and moved out of the state of Missouri.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1860-1878, Mrs. Wilson Price Hunt

Nevada

No picture is known to exist.

1866-1874, Mrs. M.E. Hickman

New Hampshire

1858-1861, Mrs. Salma Hale

Sarah Kellogg King (died 1865) became the wife of the Hon. Salma Hale of Keene, New Hampshire in 1820. Mr. Hale was a leading citizen in his state, a lawyer of distinction, member of Congress, trustee of Dartmouth College, and the author of several historical works, including a history of the United States. The campaign for funds to save Mount Vernon was well rewarded in New Hampshire, in spite of the small population there. Mrs. Hale was the twentieth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. She resigned from the Association in 1861 and died a few years later.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1866-1873, Mrs. Onslow Stearns

New Jersey

No picture is known to exist.

1858-1865, Miss Phebe A. Ogden

Phebe Anne Ogden (1790-1865) daughter of Major Aaron Ogden, a distinguished officer of the New Jersey Continental Line who received General Washington's citation for gallantry. Major Ogden was also Washington's representative to General Clinton, British commander at New York, in the attempt to have Benedict Arnold exchanged for Major Andre. He was later Governor of New Jersey and a founder of the Society of the Cincinnati. Always noted for her patriotism, Miss Ogden took a keen interest in the campaign to save Mount Vernon.

She was the eldest of the first group and the fourteenth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. She served until her death.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1868-1891, Mrs. Nathaniel Norris Halsted

New York

1858-1866, Miss Mary M. Hamilton

Mary Morris Hamilton (1818-1877), granddaughter of Alexander Hamilton and great-granddaughter of Robert Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Miss Hamilton was one of the leading figures in the effort to save Mount Vernon. A woman of rare and forceful intellect and possessing great executive ability, she raised huge sums in the state of New York. It was to her that Washington Irving sent his generous donation. She raised about a fifth of the total purchase money needed. Miss Hamilton was the ninth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. She was most active during the years of war but resigned directly thereafter, in 1866. In 1869 she became the wife of George Lee Schuyler of New York.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1867-1876, Mrs. James Brooks

North Carolina

1858-1859, Mrs. P. K. Dickinson

Alice Hill London (died 1881) daughter of John R. London of Wilmington, N. C.,  and descendant of General John Ashe, a Revolutionary figure. She grew up at nearby Hilton, the home of her grandfather Hill. In 1845 she married P. K. Dickinson, a northerner  who settled in North Carolina. He was one of the most important businessmen of Wilmington and among the very first to become interested in building railroads there. A woman of intellect and influence, Mrs. Dickinson was Miss Cunningham's second appointment. Though she resigned in 1859, her campaign for the Mount Vernon cause was notably successful.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1859-1908, Mrs. William Richmond Walker

Ohio

1858-1863, Mrs. George H. Pendleton

Mary Alicia Lloyd Nevins Key (1823-1886), daughter of Francis Scott Key, author of The Star-Spangled Banner and distinguished Maryland lawyer. In 1846 she married George Hunt Pendleton of Cincinnati. He was the Democratic candidate for Vice President in 1864 and later Senator and American Minister to Germany. Mrs. Pendleton was famed on two Continents for her beauty and character. She was the fifteenth Vice Regent appointed by Miss Cunningham. Though she undertook the work for Mount Vernon in the state of Ohio, she was unable to participate to the fullest extent. Domestic duties which involved the care of her brother's orphaned children necessitated her resignation from the Association in 1863.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

1866-1872, Mrs. Emily R. McIlvaine Hewson

Mrs. Hewson's letter of resignation from April 11, 1872, is at right. It reads,

No picture of Mrs. Hewson is known to exist.

Pennsylvania

1859-1891, Miss Lily Lytle Macalester (later Mme. Berghman, then Mrs. J. Scott Laughton)

Lily Lytle Macalester (died 1891) was the daughter of Charles Macelester, a financier and philanthropist. She had one daughter, Camille, by M. Berghman, a Belgian ambassador. (Miss Berghman married Jose de Pedrosa, a Spanish marquis.) After M. Berghman's death in 1874, Madame Berghman married J. Scott Laughton.  Mrs. Laughton was the second Regent of the Association from 1874  to 1891.

From Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition Commemorating the Founding of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 1853-1953 , Mount Vernon, Va. : 1953.

Rhode Island

1858-1893, Mrs. George I. Chace

Abby Wheaton Pearce (died 1893), daughter of Earl D. Pearce and his wife, Lydia Wheaton. In 1839 she became the wife of Professor George Ide Chace, distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Physiology at Brown University. Her Providence home was an ideal center for the work she undertook, for many eminent people were counted in her wide circle of friends. Mrs. Chace was the sixteenth Vice Regent to be appointed. She saw in the movement an opportuni