Martha washington education biography samples

None who take an interest in the history of Washington can fail to desire some knowledge of her who shared his thoughts and plans, and was associated with him in the great events of his life. Few women have been called to move, in the drama of existence, amid scenes so varied and imposing! and few have sustained their part with so much dignity and discretion. In the shades of retirement, or the splendor of eminent station, she was the same unostentatious, magnanimous woman; through the gloom of adverse fortune she walked by the side of the Chief, ascending with him the difficult path Heaven had opened before him; and when standing with him on the summit, in the full light of his power and renown, the eyes of her spirit looked still upward, seeking in the smile of the Supreme a reward which earthly honors could not bestow.

Though the life of Mrs. Washington was a changeful one, and had its full measure of sorrow and joy, it affords little material for the biographer. She moved in woman&#;s domestic sphere, to which pertain not actions that strike the public eye, but uncomplaining endurance, and continual, unnoted self-sacrifice. The best account of her is the memoir prepared for the National Portrait Gallery, by her grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, of Arlington, D. C., According to this, Martha Dandridge was descended from an ancient family that migrated to the colony of Virginia and was born in the county of New Kent, in May, Her education was only a domestic one, such as was given to females in those days, when there were few seminaries of instruction, and private teachers were generally employed. Her beauty and fascinating manners, with her amiable qualities of character, gained her distinction among the ladies who were accustomed to resort to Williamsburg, at that time the seat of government.

When but seventeen Miss Dandridge was married to Colonel Daniel Parke Custis, of the same county. Their residence-called the &#;White House,&#; was on the

First Lady of the United States from to

For the comic book character, see Martha Washington (comics).

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (June 2, O.S. – May 22, ) was the wife of George Washington, who was the first president of the United States. Although the title was not coined until after her death, she served as the inaugural first lady of the United States, defining the role of the president's wife and setting many precedents that future first ladies observed. During her tenure, she was referred to as "Lady Washington". Washington is consistently ranked in the upper half of first ladies by historians.

Martha Dandridge married Daniel Parke Custis on May 15, , and the couple had four children, only one of whom survived to adulthood. She was widowed in at the age of 26, inheriting a large estate. She was remarried to George Washington in , moving to his plantation, Mount Vernon. Her youngest daughter died of epilepsy in , and the Washingtons were unable to conceive any children of their own. Washington became a symbol of the American Revolution after her husband was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. During the war, she played a maternal role, visiting encampments when fighting stalled each winter. Her only surviving child, John Parke Custis, died from a camp illness during the w

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the first First Lady of the United States. Washington is not only remembered as the nation’s first lady who set an example for her future first ladies, but also as a wife, mother, and property owner. She is an example of strength during the Revolutionary War, and as the first lady of a new nation.

Martha Dandridge was born at Virginia’s Chestnut Grove Plantation located in New Kent County, Virginia on June 2,  She was the eldest of eight children born to John and Frances Dandridge and enjoyed a life of wealth as a child. Martha learned how to read and write, which was uncommon for women in Virginia during the time period. She read the Bible as well as novels and magazines, and she wrote letters, several of which survive today.

On May 15, , Martha Dandridge married year-old Daniel Parke Custis. Together they had four children. However, only two, John (called Jack) and Martha (called Patsy), survived past childhood. When her husband died in , he left a large inheritance to Martha, making her wealthy—something that was less likely to be true a century later. This inheritance included 17, acres of land and enslaved people.

Martha met George Washington in  Washington owned Mount Vernon plantation and was the commander of the Virginia forces during the French and Indian War. Ten months after meeting, they married and she and her two surviving children moved into Mount Vernon. Her new husband took an active role in the children’s lives, but tragedy struck again when Patsy died from a seizure at age

Because her husband was often travelling on military and business matters, Martha Washington was the effective manager of the household. She spent every winter in military encampments with General Washington during the Revolutionary War, making socks for the soldiers and raising money for other supplies.

Martha Washington lost her last living child during the Revolution. Jack died of “camp fever” at age  Two of his children, Nelli