George Washington’s Family Life
Family: What was the Washington family like?
Martha Dandridge Custis
Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759, aged 26. Martha, a year older than George, was the widow of a very rich plantation owner. She had three children from her previous marriage, whom Washington raised as his own. Martha’s son, John Parke Custis, died of ‘camp fever’ in 1781, aged 26, during the siege of Yorktown. He left seven children, and his widow sent their two youngest to be raised by Martha and George. In total, Martha and George raised five children but were sad to never have had any children together. Washington was left heartbroken by the death of his stepdaughter Patsy, who suffered from epileptic fits and died in his arms.
George accompanied Lawrence to Barbados in the hope that the climate there would cure Lawrence’s tuberculosis, but sadly, it did not work, and Lawrence died in 1752. Washington rented Mount Vernon from Lawrence’s widow before inheriting it when she died. Washington was an excellent horseman and collected thoroughbred horses at Mount Vernon. After leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, Washington returned to Mount Vernon on Christmas Eve in 1783.
While Washington is most famous for his military and government roles. He was also a family man.
Let’s Reflect
How proud are you to be a student at your school? What if, when you are much older, you are asked to serve your school? How would that make you feel?