John Hemings
John Hemmings (also spelled Hemings) (1776 – 1833) was an American woodworker. Born into slavery at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello as a member of the large mixed-race Hemings family, he trained in the Monticello Joinery and became a highly skilled carpenter and woodworker, making furniture and crafting the fine woodwork of the interiors at Monticello and Poplar Forest.
John Hemmings | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1776 Monticello, Albemarle County, Virginia |
| Died | 1833 (aged 56–57) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Carpenter, cabinetmaker |
| Spouse | Priscilla |
| Parent(s) | Betty Hemings Joseph Neilson |
| Relatives | Hemings family |
Hemmings also served as the master joiner to apprentices Beverley, Madison, and Eston Hemings, Jefferson's sons by Sally Hemings.
After decades of service, John Hemmings was freed in 1826 by Jefferson's will and given the tools to the joinery. He remained at Monticello until about 1831 and died in 1833.
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