Samuel Fraunces (circa 1722, West Indies – October 10, 1795, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was an American restaurateur, and the owner/operator of Fraunces Tavern in New York City. During the Revolutionary War, he provided for prisoners held during the 7-year British occupation, and may have been a spy for the American side. It was at his tavern, at the close of the war, that General George Washington said farewell to his officers. Fraunces later served as steward of Washington's presidential household in New York City (1789–90) and Philadelphia (1791–94).
Since the late-19th century, there has been a dispute about Fraunces's racial identity. According to his biographer, Kym S. Rice: "During the Revolutionary era, Fraunces was commonly referred to as "Black Sam." Some have taken references such as these as an indication that Fraunces was a black man. ...hat is known of his life indicates he was a white man.".
Read more about Samuel Fraunces: Origins, Taverns, Revolutionary War, Petition To Congress, Presidential Households, Death, Family and Slavery, Racial Identity, Portraits, In Popular Culture, Legacy, Sources