Washington in Pictures

No. 430 -- Tobias Lear Tomb. Much of the material for the written versions of the death of Washington have been spun from the narrative of that event written by Tobias Lear, private secretary to the Father of His Country at the time of the latter's death.

Lear lies in an out-of-the way corner of Congressional Cemetery, where he was buried in 1816.

His life history is summed up in the inscription on his tomb, which reads:

"Here lie the remains of Tobias Lear. He was early distinguished as the private secretary and familiar friend of the illustrious George Washington; after having served his country with dignity, zeal and fidelity, in many honorable stations, died accountant of the War Department, October 11, 1816, aged fifty-four.

Lear was a New Englander and went to Mount Vernon to tutor the Custis children and later became Washington's private secretary. He was present at the death of Washington and wrote an account of it.

Published by: The Washington Times, March 14, 1929

Publishing date: December 28, 2012