Syphax and Custis Case

Persons Interviewed by H.E.G.

1.     Prof. Charles S. Syphax and Mrs. Syphax, 315 T. St., City. They have summer home on tract given by W.P.A. Custis to Maria Syphax. Original tract, approximately 17 1/2 acres. They claim that the Lee family have always been friendly toward the Syphax relatives. Prof. Syphax remembers his grandmother, Maria S[yphax], but does not recall having heard her mention her father, G.W.P.C. [George Washington Parke Custis] He has heard his father (her son) mention frequently the relationship. Prof. S[yphax] was at Hoard for 46 years -- retired two years ago. Mrs. S[yphax] was the third woman to graduate from Howard, and later was instructor there.

They point out that the G.W.P.C. names persist. For example, three grandsons of Maria S[yphax] are named respectively, Washington,  Parke Custis and Custis.

2.     Parke Custis Syphax, 633 South Ode St., Arlington, Va. -- on the original gift tract. He is the son of Ennis Syphax. The age widow of the latter is at present very ill, with pneumonia. Parke Custis S[yphax] promised to inquire of relatives too, and would give any possible further information, Monday, fenruary 27, by telephone.

3.     John E. Syphax, principal, Birney School. Lives at 1338 Q St., City. he said two pictures of maria S[yphax], in possession of Mrs. Ennis S[yphax] (at home of Parke C. S[yphax -- see above), and of Mrs. Carrie Watson, 1320 Q Street., respectively, show marked resemblance to pictures of George Washington Parke Custis. J.E.S. has heard his father speak of the relationship.

4.     I saw several professors at Howard. They could give no definite information, but agreed that the relationship is commonly believed in.

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Other Leads

1.     Ennis Syphax, 1306 S. St. -- son of Ennis, deceased, and brother of PC S[yphax] (see above). I was told that Mildred Lee, daughter of Robert E. Lee frequently admitted to him that the Syphaxes were her relatives.

2.     Mrs, Carrie Watson, 1320 Q Street -- has pictures of Maria S[yphax].

3.     Mrs. Molly Brewer Honly -- teaches at Dunbar High. Her grandfather, William -- son of Maria -- put through Congress the act confirming the ownership of the gift tract.

4.     Edward S[yphax] brother of Prof. Charles S[yphax] teaches at Burrville School. Home at 159 Randolph Place. I have tried three times to see him.

5.     Robert E. S[yphax] -- teacher in school, is grandson of Ennis, deceased.

6.     Dr. Valaures B. Spatlin -- is or has been recently a professor at Howard.

7.     Estrelda Spratlin Burrell (grandaughter of S[patlin] above, instructor in physical education, Armstrong, H.S.