William Garner was hired by by George Washington on December 10, 1788 to be the overseer on River Farm. In this role, Garner assisted in supervising and managing the labor of people enslaved by the Washington family.1 Often, Washington communicated instructions for Garner through the farm mangers such as Anthony Whitting or William Pearce. Previously, William Garner was from Charles County, Maryland, but during his employment was housed by Washington at River Farm in a residence designated for the overseer. He worked for George Washington until 1792, and he was let go because Washington believed he was neglecting the harvest.
According to the initial work agreement signed on December 10, 1788, Garner would "strictly and indefatigably pursue the plans and obey the orders which he shall receive for conducting the business of said Plantation."2 In particular, Garner was contracted to plow-horses and the working oxen to ensure they were being used efficiently. Addition, he would take a regular account of the tools of every kind to ensure River Farm had the necessary agricultural equipment for harvesting and that it was not exposed to the weather or other damage. Most notably, the contract emphasized that Garner was to "act the part of an industrious, honest, and sober man—and in failure of either that the said George Washington may discharge him at any season of the year."3 Washington often worried about problem of drunkenness of his white employees such as overseers.
The agreement between Washington and Garner was renewed on December 23, 1790, in which Garner was to receive thirty pounds instead of thirty six and "in lieu of the shoats mention'd he is to receive fifty pounds of fresh Beef in the fall—and in addition to his allowance will be furnished with one thousand herrings and fifty Shad if they are caught." The agreement was altered once more on August 12, 1791, giving Garner "thirty five pounds instead of thirty as above—the quantity of flour and Corn which he is to receive is…two hundred weight of middling flour in one draft but not more than two—six Barrels Corn ground into meal and not deliver[d] in less quantities than one barrel at a time from the Mill—when it is to be had."4 This was his last agreement with Washington before being let go in 1792. Whitting later described the conditions at River Farm during Garner's tenure as wasteful.5
Notes:
1. “[Diary entry: 10 December 1788],” Founders Online, National Archives.
2. “Articles of Agreement with William Garner, 10 December 1788,” Founders Online, National Archives.
3. Ibid.
4. The Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, Vol. 1, ed. W.W. Abbot (Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia), 171-173.
5. “George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 26 May 1793,” Founders Online, National Archives.
