Florence Johnson Smith
American housemaid and cook (~1850–1920) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Florence Johnson Smith (May 1850 – September 15, 1920) was a mixed-race woman from Tennessee who was enslaved from birth until approximately age 13 by Andrew Johnson, later the 17th president of the United States. She worked at the White House as a housemaid during Johnson's presidency and in his home as a cook after he left office. Her mother was Dolly Johnson; the identity of her father remains officially unknown. Since the late 20th century several scholars and popular historians have speculated or insinuated that Andrew Johnson may be Florence's biological father, although there is no evidence that either confirms the relationship or eliminates Johnson as a candidate for paternity.[1][2][3][4][5][6] In later life Florence Smith may have been a woman of some financial means as she was remembered at the time of her death as a benefactress who financially supported local African American students pursuing college educations.
Florence Johnson Smith | |
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Born | Florence Johnson May 1850 Greeneville, Tennessee, United States |
Died | September 15, 1920 Knoxville, Tennessee, United States |
Resting place | Knoxville College Cemetery |
Other names | Aunt Florence, Fannie Smith, Mrs. Henry Smith |
Occupation(s) | Housemaid, cook |
Known for | Enslaved by future U.S. President Andrew Johnson, worked in White House |
Parent |
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Relatives | Elizabeth Johnson Forby (sister) William Andrew Johnson (brother) Samuel Johnson (uncle) |