William Foushee

William Foushee Sr. (October 26, 1749 – August 21, 1824) was an American physician and politician. After serving as a surgeon in the American Revolution, he entered local politics in Virginia, serving as the first Mayor of Richmond from 1782 to 1783. He also served as the postmaster of Richmond from 1808 to 1824.

Early life Foushee was born to John Foushee and Winifred (Williams) Foushee on October 26, 1749, in Northumberland County, Virginia.

A third-generation Virginian, Foushee's paternal grandfather James immigrated from France.

Marriage and children On March 6, 1775, Foushee married Elizabeth Isabella Harmanson in Northampton County, Virginia.

The couple had seven children: Dr. John Harmanson Foushee (c.1776–1812), unknown if married Nancy Foushee (c.1779–1796), never married Dr. William Foushee Jr. (1784–1835), married Lucy Lawrence Elizabeth Foushee (1786–1859), married Richard E. Parker, who was at various times a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates, a Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, and a U.S. Senator Charlotte Foushee (c.1787–1822), married Williams Carter, a son of Charles Hill Carter of Shirley Plantation and brother of Anne Hill Carter, who was the mother of Confederate General Robert E. Lee Isabella Foushee (1789–1865), married Thomas Ritchie, who was the founded of the Richmond Enquirer Margaret Foushee (c.1794–1822), married William C. Parker, a brother of the aforementioned Richard E. Parker

Career

Physician Foushee was a surgeon during the American Revolutionary War. He served as President of the Medical Society of Virginia. He was also a first mover in the newly discovered smallpox inoculation.

Mayor of Richmond

Later years and death

For the last sixteen years of his life, Foushee served in the capacity of Richmond's postmaster. He was appointed to that position on June 20, 1808, by President Jefferson.

On August 21, 1824, Foushee died in his home. His body is interred at Shockoe Hill Cemetery on Shockoe Hill in Richmond.