From Slavery to the White House, the Ficklin Family Served Presidents for Nearly 8 Decades

One family's remarkable history of service at the White House across 13 presidencies

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:52pm

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The Ficklin family, descendants of a Virginia man born into slavery, served 13 U.S. presidents over the course of nearly eight decades at the White House. John Woodson Ficklin and his son Wrory Ficklin both had long careers on the White House staff, with Woodson serving as a butler for 44 years and Wrory working 40 years on the National Security Council. The family's story spans from the Civil War era to the Obama presidency, highlighting their dedication and the evolution of African American roles at the highest levels of government.

Why it matters

The Ficklin family's multi-generational service at the White House is a powerful example of how African Americans have contributed to the highest levels of the U.S. government, even in the face of slavery and systemic racism. Their story provides a unique historical perspective on the changing roles and influence of Black Americans in the White House over the course of the 20th century.

The details

John Woodson Ficklin, born around 1919, started working at the White House in 1934 and eventually became head butler, responsible for planning and executing major White House events. His older brother Charles also worked as a White House butler. Woodson Ficklin earned the trust of first ladies like Patricia Nixon and served under 10 presidents before retiring in 1983. Woodson's son Wrory Ficklin followed in his footsteps, working 40 years on the National Security Council staff, including as a special assistant to President Obama.

  • John Woodson Ficklin started working at the White House in 1934.
  • Woodson Ficklin became head butler in the 1950s, serving under Dwight Eisenhower.
  • Woodson Ficklin succeeded his brother Charles as head butler in 1967.
  • Woodson Ficklin retired from the White House in May 1983 after 44 years of service.
  • Wrory Ficklin joined the National Security Council staff in 1975 and retired in 2015 after 40 years.

The players

John Woodson Ficklin

A White House butler who served 13 presidents over 44 years, eventually becoming head butler and overseeing major White House events.

Wrory Ficklin

The son of John Woodson Ficklin, who had a 40-year career on the National Security Council staff, including serving as a special assistant to President Obama.

James Strother Ficklin

Wrory Ficklin's grandfather, who was born into slavery in Virginia and later bought land and started a family in Amissville, Virginia.

Charles Ficklin

The older brother of John Woodson Ficklin, who also worked as a White House butler and helped his brother get a job there.

Patricia Nixon

The First Lady who wrote a letter praising John Woodson Ficklin's work in executing White House events.

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What they’re saying

“Everything was perfect and we are grateful.”

— President Jimmy Carter

“Our family is most grateful to you for the time and interest you devote to make each occasion so enjoyable and memorable for our guests and for us.”

— First Lady Patricia Nixon

“Those are my boys. I trained them.”

— John Woodson Ficklin

What’s next

Wrory Ficklin plans to continue sharing his family's remarkable story through speaking engagements and additional writing projects.

The takeaway

The Ficklin family's multi-generational service at the White House, spanning from slavery to the highest levels of government, is a powerful testament to the evolving role of African Americans in U.S. history and the enduring values of dedication, hard work, and public service.