Category Archives: Martha Washington

Happy Fathers Day!

Posted on by June 17, 2017

Happy Fathers Day to all of you Founding Fathers fans. You know that two of our most famous Founding Fathers had no children of their own. What? They weren’t really Fathers. Well, no, not in that sense. But they were Founding Fathers, and are esteemed as such.

Who are they, you ask? George Washington, known as the Father of our Country, and James Madison, the Father of the Constitution. They had no children of their own.

Martha had 4 children with her previous husband, Daniel Parke Custis, but only 2 of them lived to adulthood. read more

Founding Fathers and Their Wives

Posted on by March 9, 2017

With much to do being made about women and how they should be treated equally, I though not much has been written or said about the wives of our Founding Fathers. Some of us may not even know who these women were, no not even their names. So here goes.

Benjamin Franklin married Deborah Read in 1730. Deborah was with child, and some historians think Ben may have married her to save her reputation. She bore a son, William, who Ben claimed as his own—even though they had a major falling out when William remained a loyalist against Ben’s preaching. Deborah died in 1774 at the age of 66. She never saw the greatest achievements of Ben’s career. They were good partners in business as well as in marriage. read more

Happy Birthday George Washington

Posted on by February 22, 2017

GeorgeWashingtonToday, February 22, is George Washington’s birthday.

As we reflect on his life, it becomes apparent that he was an unusual and uncommon man. The things he accomplished in his 67 years on the earth are just astonishing.

He became a surveyor and businessman at the age of 15. He was a hero in the French and Indian War. He was a terrific dancer and married Martha just a few months after their first meeting. He turned Mount Vernon into a beautiful mansion and a business center with a carpenters shop, blacksmith shop, fishing business, and a farm with sheep, wheat, and other animals and crops. read more

George Washington’s Birthday

Posted on by November 29, 2016

I just read a short story around the idea that if something needs to be done, perhaps you should do something. In part it said: “If you see a need, don’t ask ‘Why doesn’t somebody do something?’ Ask instead ‘Why don’t I do something?’

One day, entering into my office I said it was a shame that according to the newspaper this morning, there are many ‘white sales’, automobile sales, and furniture sales in honor of George Washington’s birthday, but there is no George Washington Birthday Celebration. read more

Martha Washington – Be Cheerful!

Posted on by May 10, 2016

Martha-Washington-by-Andrews“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.” –Martha Washington, First American First Lady, 1732-1802.

Martha met George Washington one day in late Autumn in 1758. She had been invited to dine at the home of Mr. Richard Chamberlayne, who was also a friend of George. Washington happened to stop by the home of his friend for supper while George was on his was to meet with the Governor in Williamsburg. read more

President Washington’s Last Words

Posted on by May 2, 2016

Earl Warren was born on March 19, 1891. He was appointed by President Dwight Eisenhower to become the 14th Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court in 1953. In law school we read lots of his decisions on cases he adjudicated. He was a learned gentleman and usually kept a copy of the Constitution with him, in his suit pocket or his briefcase. He thought we all should study it. He passed away on July 9, 1974, the year after I graduated from Law School.

As he approached the age of 40, he changed his attitude on growing old. He seemed to be upset at reaching that milestone when an older friend of his tried to cheer him up. The advice from his friend was: “Don’t complain about growing old—many people don’t have that privilege!” read more

Mount Vernon Love Story

Posted on by January 14, 2016

GeorgeWashingtonMany of you are fans of Mary Higgins Clark and her murder mystery novels. What you may not know is that Ms. Clark wrote an interesting book about George and Martha Washington. It’s titled “Mount Vernon Love Story, A Novel of George and Martha Washington.”

Sure, it’s a novel, much like her many other books, but it is based on extensive research, and on her love for Martha Washington. It’s charming, insightful, and very entertaining. I highly recommend it. Not only for the Story of the First President of the United States, but also for the background story about his dear, and beloved wife. read more