Known Information
In 1840, Susan Dent had two younger Free Black individuals living in her household. One was a female whose age is consistent with Maria Dent’s in the 1850 & 1860 Census.
Sources
Year: 1850; Census Place: Washington Ward 3, Washington, District of Columbia;Roll: 56; Page: 170a | ancestry.com
Year: 1860; Census Place: Washington Ward 3, Washington, District of Columbia; Page: 717 | ancestry.com
Evening Star | Washington, District of Columbia | 07 Jan 1862, Tue • Page 3
1853 City Directory of Washington DC | fold3.com
Maria Dent is listed in the household of J. S. Williams in both the 1850 and 1860 Census. No occupation is listed for her in either census.
J. S. Williams was a clerk with the Naval Department who lived on H Street between 9th and 10th. Born and married in Connecticut, he moved to DC in 1848 and died during the Civil War from Small Pox. His wife moved back to Connecticut after her husband’s death.
Though no occupation is listed for her, it is likely that Maria served as a domestic servant in the home. Williams’ property was valued at $3000 with personal property valued at $1000, suggesting means to hire Maria, a free Black. While the Williams and therefore Maria lived in Ward 3, “by 1860, one-eighth of the most prosperous families in the First Ward employed live-in servants, either white or black.” (Civil War Washington)
As a domestic in the household, it is possible that Maria’s work ranged across the spectrum of “women’s work”. Taking care of the Williams’ clothing alone would require sewing, washing, and ironing. Preparing meals may have meant cooking and serving.
In 1850, Maria is listed with a child, E., who is 7 years old. By the 1860 census, the child is no longer listed in the household. It is possible that the child by 1860 had either died, or had left the Williams household, apprenticed to another. The 1860 census does not enumerate an E Dent in other households, raising the likelihood of death. The Williams had a child, Thomas, who died in 1859 from consumption. It is possible that they both caught the same disease and passed away.
The 1870, 1873 and 1876 City Directories list a Maria Dent. In 1870, she was working as a cook in a nearby household, at 815 6th Street NW
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