George Washington was born into a wealthy tobacco family of English descent in Virginia. He was the son of Augustine Washington who died when George was 10. Soon after went to live with his favorite eldest half brother and idol Lawrence at his home Mt Vernon. There he learned Mathematics, and some Greek and Latin and to be a surveyor, he also became a great horseman. George strived to be a "Gentleman" by using: 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in company and Conversation. At the age of sixteen he had hand copied the book based on a set of rules written in 1595 by French Jesuitsand was self made under the mentoring of his brother and his neighbor a good friend George William Fairfax, who's wife Sally taught George social graces and how to dance which became a passion all his life.
When Lawrence died in 1746 George inherited Mt Vernon at 20 years
George Washington during the French and Indian War.
Towering at 6 foot 2 George Washington was an accomplished Horseman. He had a presence that was noticeable by everyone who encountered him. Before George became involved with America's independence he was a member of the British Army. There he proved to be a capable leader and well respected by the men. In the 1755, battle during the French and Indian War he miraculously survived being shot at many times by Native American sharp shooters even loosing two horses in the battle. Later he would account to his brother in a letter of God's Divine intervention. " By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me," The Indian Chief accounted 15 years later to George Washington:"a power mightier far than we shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you...I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle."
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When the Continental Congress needed a general to lead the new Continental Army in 1774, George was available. Washington advertised his willingness to serve by wearing his Virginia militia uniform. He assumed command of an ill equipped army which eventually achieved the providential victory.
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. Psalm 15
Some wondrous possessions and reminders of
times past at the Bleat'n Hum Baa Farn'n Fiber
are, a Cannonball found at the
river edge across from Ft. George Canada
(on my Husband's own prior property)
and French and English Muskets found on our present property,
once an Native and British encampment in the 18th century
It is very enjoyable to look through the illustrated "1776" edition by David McCullough
with copies of the real letters and documents and maps from that time.
And also"The United States Experience" by Gerry and Janet Souter
If you are interested these can books transport you through time!
George and Martha were very much in love, and when he was
encamped as General he sent for her. She was
very satisfied to be at his side as well as the Lady
After loosing two of her young children during her first marriage Martha always feared losing her son and daughter. Her two children were adopted and raised by George Washington. At the age of 17 Betsy suffered from a seizure and died in George's arms. Her son John "Jacky" married at a young age and had four children. He joined George during the siege at Yorktown, dying after only a few days of possibly typhus. Fortunately Martha's daughter in law gave her the opportunity to adopt two of her grandchildren Nelly and George Washington Parke Custis.
"George Washington was introduced to Martha Dandridge Custis by mutual friends She and her two young children, were immediately taken by the handsome and dashing George Washington Martha had previously been married to the extremely wealthy John Dandridge and, upon his death, had inherited a large fortune . Visiting Martha only twice at her home before proposing marriage, they became engaged only three weeks after their first meeting".
During George Washington's two presidential terms,
he and Martha continually yearned for the
return to their beloved Mt Vernon
George was a gentleman farmer and was
always interested in inventive ways to grow and manufacture
Washington viewed his own efforts at Mount Vernon
as experiments that could benefit all of his countrymen.
Wheat was one of his main crops. He erected a large stone gristmill in 1771 to
increase production of flour and cornmeal,
and to be able to export high quality flour to the West Indies,
England, and Europe
George Washington finished his second term as the first President of the United States in 1797. Weary of the political infighting surrounding the presidency, he longed for the peace of retirement to his beloved Mount Vernon. Unfortunately, his solitude lasted less than three years as he died on December 14, 1799 at age 67.After going out on his property in the sleet he contacted a chill
and was soon breathing his last. Martha never slept in their bed again and soon followed
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
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