Derby Historical Society celebrates George Washington, David Humphreys

This information is shared from Daniel Bosques, executive director, Derby Historical Society.

Presidents’ Day Washington’s Birthday   George Washington, oil painting by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1796  What an extraordinary man George Washington was.  The burden our first President bore as the leader of our country was one he would have not sought willingly, but duty to his fellow Americans outweighed all other options. He has endured gracefully.  Washington selflessly embraced the role of first President of the free and independent United States of America. Freedom. It has such a good ring to it. Freedom rings because of our patriot forefathers.  Democracy exists because of the Republic for which our very fFlag stands.  Indeed, countries are forged in the crucible of fire and war, and though many of the battles have been won, we continue the work since there is still much to do. Did you know that George Washington referred to David Humphreys (our local hero of the Revolution) as his Beloved and My Dear Humphreys?  In a letter titled from George Washington to David Humphreys, 30 October 1785, Washington would tell Humphreys that he had the authorization and permission to write a biography for those who would want “to be acquainted with the Memoirs of my life” (UPV, 1994).  In that very letter, Washington makes reference to a previous letter that he sent to Humphreys where he assured Humphreys he would be welcome to stay at Mt. Vernon as his personal guest and that he would “be considered, & treated as one of the family [and] would meet with that cordial reception & entertainment, which are characteristic of the sincerest friendship” (UPV, 1994, pp. 328-329). Humphreys was a fascinating individual.  He was born at our circa 1698 David Humphreys House Museum in 1752, went to Yale College at the age of 15, and after receiving his Master’s Degree at the age of 22, became a schoolmaster for a period of two years.  When Humphreys answered the call to join the Continental Army, he made his way up the military ranking quite quickly - in three years he was a Brigade Major in the 6th Connecticut Regiment, and a Lieutenant Colonel at the age of 28.  Before serving under Washington’s command as a personal aide, Humphreys served under General Israel Putnam and later in life wrote a biography on Putnam which could be found here.  Humphreys then went on to serve under General Nathanael Greene.  In 1780, Humphreys commanded the all-Black 2nd company of the 3rd, and later the 4th Regiment of the Connecticut Line.  The formal inclusion of African Americans in the Continental Army began in January of 1776 when George Washington lifted the ban on Black enlistment. Today we celebrate President’s Day, which is a celebration of the lives of all U.S. presidents.  Washington’s birthday marks our yearly holiday, and so, we invite you to check out the links we have below to learn more about the David Humphreys and Washington connection. David Humphreys' Life of General Washington: With George Washington's Remarks here The 6th Connecticut Regiment's History on Captain (Colonel) David Humphreys here Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow's biography on Washington here John Koopman III's website here and his novel, George Washington at War - 1776 here