Short Bio of Martha Dandridge Washington

                                            Martha Washington — America’s First Lady
                                                                            1731–1802
                                                                     Written by Randal Rust

Martha Washington, Biography, Facts, Significance, APUSH

                                                                        Martha Washington. Image Source: Wikipedia.

Martha Dandridge was born on June 2, 1731, in New Kent County, Virginia. She grew up in a traditional 18th-century household and received an education that focused on domestic skills and academics. When she was 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy plantation owner who was significantly older than her. Together, they had four children, but two of them died in infancy.

In 1757, Martha became a widow when Custis died, leaving her with substantial wealth and the responsibility of caring for their two surviving children. It was during this time that she caught the attention of a rising military and political figure named George Washington.

Martha and George Washington were married on January 6, 1759, marking the beginning of their lifelong partnership. As George’s military and political career progressed, Martha supported him both privately and publicly. During the American Revolutionary War, she joined him at military encampments such as Valley Forge, Morristown, and Newburgh.

After the war and the ratification of the United States Constitution, George Washington was elected as the First President of the United States. Martha, known as the First Lady, embraced her role as a gracious hostess and supported her husband during his presidency. She lived with him in New York City and then Philadelphia.

Following his second term as president, Martha and George retired to Mount Vernon. Among their visitors were the Marquis de Lafayette and Catharine Macauley.

Unfortunately, President Washington passed away in 1799, leaving Martha a widow for the second time. She outlived her husband by a few years and passed away on May 22, 1802, in the presence of her granddaughter.

Martha Washington is important to United States history because of the role she played as the wife of George Washington, the first President of the United States. During the American Revolutionary War, she supported her husband, joining him at military encampments and helping provide comfort to the soldiers. As the nation’s first First Lady, she established the social customs and expectations for the position. 

Short Bio of George Washington

 

Short Bio for George Washington

https://share.america.gov/how-george-washington-became-father-of-his-country/

Article written on February 11, 2026

 

                                        https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/George-Washington-Portrait-Stuart.webp

Like the monument standing in the U.S. capital that bears his name, George Washington’s place in American history is towering. As a general, his commanding presence inspired the Army that won independence from Britain. As a statesman, he presided over the Constitutional Convention that shaped the United States. And as the country’s first president he established lasting traditions, forging a reputation as “the father of his country.”

Washington’s journey to greatness was no coincidence. When he showed up for the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in his militia uniform in 1775, Washington helped the other delegates to see him as a natural choice for Army commander.

Though he resigned his commission after the Revolution, he stayed involved in political affairs, arguing for a stronger national government. This made him a natural choice to lead the Constitutional Convention. “He was the moving force for the Constitution,” says Edward J. Larson, a law professor at Pepperdine University and author of George Washington, Nationalist. Other delegates had trust in Washington, according to Larson, and that trust moved the effort along. Washington’s central role in developing the Constitution, in turn, would make him a favorite choice for president among the leaders in attendance.

Early Life

Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the first child of Augustine and Mary Washington, who would have five more children. At the time George was born, they lived in Pope’s Creek. Raised in Virginia by his mother and brother, Washington succeeded as a surveyor on the state’s frontier.

In 1735, the family moved to Little Hunting Creek Plantation, on the Potomac River. The Plantation would eventually be renamed Mount Vernon. They lived there for a short time, and moved to Ferry Farm on the Rappahannock River, across from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1738. Washington spent most of his youth at Ferry Farm, although very little is known about his childhood.

 

His father died when he was 11, and he became the ward of Lawrence Washington, his half-brother. Augustine had three children with his first wife, Jane, who died in 1729. Lawrence inherited Little Hunting Creek Plantation. Lawrence was married to Anne Fairfax, the daughter of Colonel William Fairfax. Fairfax had political connections and had been an appointee of the British Crown in the Bahamas and the Colonies.

At the of 16, in 1748, Washington helped survey Virginia’s western frontier. He spent the next few years surveying land and received an appointment as the official surveyor of Culpepper County, Virginia.

He inherited Mount Vernon in 1752. Lawrence died in July from tuberculosis. Soon after, his only heir, his daughter Sarah, also died. This left the estate to Washington. He was 20 years old at the time. Adding to his responsibilities, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, Robert Dinwiddie, appointed him as major in the Virginia militia.

 As a young militia leader in the French and Indian War (1754–1763), he overcame early setbacks and led British forces to safety during the Battle of the Monongahela after their general was mortally wounded.

Washington’s heroics — surviving the Monongahela, despite four bullets passing through his coat made him an obvious choice to lead the Continental Army in the American Revolution. Believing in his own suitability for the job and arriving at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia wearing his militia uniform, Washington inspired confidence. The Congress founded the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775, and named him commander in chief the next day.

The next year, on Christmas night 1776, Washington led his soldiers, weary from defeats, across the freezing Delaware River for a surprise attack that brought victory and a morale boost for his men. A few years later, in 1781, Washington deceived the British into anticipating an attack in New York and instead moved south to Virginia, capturing thousands of British troops at Yorktown.

On March 15, 1783, in Newburgh, New York, officers under Washington’s command met to discuss whether to mutiny because the Continental Congress had not paid them. Instead of having them arrested, Washington came to address them. He began reading his prepared speech, which would chide the conspirators. At some point he paused to put on his glasses, saying, “Gentlemen, you must pardon me, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in service to my country.”

By that action, the conspiracy died. Later that year, Washington resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Army. When British King George III was informed that Washington would resign, rather than take over leadership of the new country, he was reported to have said, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”

Yet in 1789, Washington was unanimously elected the first U.S. president. His decision to serve only two four-year terms set a precedent that lasted more than a century and influenced a 1951 constitutional amendment that set a two-term limit for future presidents.

At his funeral in 1799, Washington’s friend Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee described him  as, “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

Washington Became 'The Father of His Country'

 

George Washington (center, right) is portrayed in Howard Chandler Christy’s painting of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia, September 17, 1787. (Architect of the Capitol/Howard Chandler Christy)

How George Washington became 'the father of his country' - ShareAmerica

Article by Charles Hoskinson

Feb 11, 2026

Like the monument standing in the U.S. capital that bears his name, George Washington’s place in American history is towering.

As a general, his commanding presence inspired the Army that won independence from Britain. As a statesman, he presided over the Constitutional Convention that shaped the United States. And as the country’s first president he established lasting traditions, forging a reputation as “the father of his country.”

Washington’s journey to greatness was no coincidence.

When he showed up for the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in his militia uniform in 1775, Washington helped the other delegates to see him as a natural choice for Army commander.

Though he resigned his commission after the Revolution, he stayed involved in political affairs, arguing for a stronger national government. This made him a natural choice to lead the Constitutional Convention.

“He was the moving force for the Constitution,” says Edward J. Larson, a law professor at Pepperdine University and author of George Washington, Nationalist. Other delegates had trust in Washington, according to Larson, and that trust moved the effort along.

Washington’s central role in developing the Constitution, in turn, would make him a favorite choice for president among the leaders in attendance.

My Ties to George Washington

My ties to George Washington are through his wife Martha Dandridge, daughter of John Dandridge II and Frances Orlando Jones. My connection to Martha Dandridge is through her mother's mother. Frances Orlando Jones was the daughter of Orlando Jones and Martha Macon. 

Frances O Jones married John Dandridge and their first born child was the aforementioned  Martha Dandridge, the Martha who became the 1^st First Lady of America.

George Washington married Martha Dandridge. George was her second husband. They had no children together.

Martha Dandridge’s first husband was Daniel Parke Custis. Together they had four children and two other children who died in infancy.

Now back to Frances Orlando Jones. Frances was the daughter of Orlando Jones and Martha Macon.

MARTHA MACON was the sister to ANNE MACON (Anne is where my line connects.)

Anne Macon 1685-1728 married Charles Massie 1678 – 1749

Their son Nathaniel Massie Sr 1727-1802 married twice. Elizabeth Watkins and Ann Clark.

With his first wife Elizabeth Watkins, he had 11 children. Their first born was Mary Massie.

Mary Massie 1756 – 1820 married James Robards 1754 – 1803.

Their daughter Agnes Robards 1792- 1870 married Pleasant Henderson.

Their son James Henderson 1818 – 1870 married Susan Sewell.

Their daughter Sarah M Henderson 1853 – 1922 married Mack Manilus McNair

The rest is history…. down to me. The information above brings me to people who my living relatives knew.  

Odd fact: As a child in the early 1960s, my favorite doll was a troll doll that I named Massie. WHERE did that name come from when I was only about 7 years old. I wrote an article titled TOYLAND in 2019, and I highlighted my beloved Massie, a troll doll.

George Washington - A True Hero

So many years ago, I read a biography of George Washington, after which I determined that he was my ultimate hero. Everything about him seemed top notch and full of character. Now today, I sit and trace my family heritage, and into the view, steps George Washington. Years ago, I was excited to see that a young George had surveyed land for my 6^th great-grandmother, Sophia Pope Muse, who had inherited her father’s land when he died.  I was excited to have such rich history and a small connection in some way to this young boy, George Washington, who would become the Father of our Country.

George Washington only lived at Popes Creek to age 3, but returned in his teenage years to stay with his half-brother Austin after the death of their father and made an early survey drawing of the area when only 15 years old. The first stake inland of the Berry survey in 1742 to clarify land lines on Popes Creek was reportedly in the adjacent cornfield of John Muse. On the opposite side of the creek at the point directly across from Longwood Swamp is the area now called Muses Beach.

Ink sketch of young George Washington surveying the area at the Popes Creek Plantation. (National Park Service)

Now today, with so many references at our fingertips via computer and DNA, I see that I actually have family ties to George Washington. It is a straight line back to Ann Macon when it goes sideways to her sister Martha Macon.

Nancy < Carolita Jones < Ava McNair < Charles McNair < Sarah Henderson <  James Henderson < Agnes Robards < Mary Massie < Nathaniel Massie < Ann Macon…. Ann is the sister of Martha Macon, who was the mother of Frances Jones. Frances was the mother of Martha Dandridge who married George Washington.

It is no wonder now, as I look back, that these families all rubbed shoulders as they carved out the wilderness and moved forward with a common goal. These people helped build most of everything that was to become the United States of America. They came across the ocean with some recognition to their bloodlines. These were the hardy souls who shouldered all the victories and defeats of making America their home and the home of the following generations of people who have enjoyed living in the land of the free!

What Gen Xers and Millennials Want - Part 4

Continued 

Newspapers

There’s just something sacred about the morning kitchen-table ritual: coffee in hand, newspaper spread out, the whole world delivered in crisp, ink-smudged pages. Boomers are still keeping that vibe alive—but for most people under 60, the “paper” is an iPad or a phone (and yes, we’re choosing to believe they’re reading headlines—not speed-running Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok).

This is a sensitive one for me because Daddy was the local Publisher and editor of the newspaper. He owned the business. He was tutored by one of the finest men in the field, Mr. Raymond Nichols. R H Nichols was even invited to a press conference at the White House under Dwight Eisenhower. I have long ago lamented the demise of the local paper. It held TRUTH because the journalist had to cover the stories with all the elements covered: Who, What, Where, When, Why and sometimes How. They didn't want to get it wrong because these were the people they rubbed shoulders with in the grocery store. As a journalist myself, we were taught how to avoid propaganda...just straight forward news. I believe that today, most people key in to only the side of the news that they fall on. There is such prejudice in our news media...yes, even the newspapers that are still there.  It saddens me greatly. We long ago stopped our subscription of the paper copy because a city as large as ours (over 2 million) sold off to another publisher in a DIFFERENT city to print the paper. SO, THE NEWS is a day old, and we have already heard the stories and sports scores. We miss the day of true reporting, which is something that the Millers will never understand. It came with core principles, avoiding slander at all cost.

A Job Means Everything  

For many boomers, their job was the most important thing. We can't imagine any boomer ever heard, let alone used the term work-life balance throughout their work lives.

You better believe it was everything and still should be. It is your bread and butter! It is a means to support yourself later in life. As far as balance, we weren't snowflakes, needing space to balance our mental health. Working was our mental health; learning to balance our lives around those we came into contact with. We learned to look people straight in the eye, shake hands and respect others. Then using our precious time outside of our work schedule to do the most important things, being with family and cherishing the time away from work, knowing we must return to work hard and be the BEST we could be. 

And while we're on the topic of jobs...

9-5 Workday We will always love the Dolly Parton song, but it probably won't be too long before the idea of working from 9am until 5pm every day is oh, so very antiquated for most people.

What's wrong with learning how to navigate this world with others. We were NOT secluded in our homes, in our pajamas, pretending that we were working.

Hats Off At The Table

Have you ever gotten an angry look from a baby boomer? Wear a hat to the dinner table and you will.

 We learned PROPER MANNERS...which has gone by the wayside and so has the respect for others and how you behave appropriately in public. 

Landlines

If you're wondering why forms still have separate fields for "mobile phone" and "home phone"—baby boomers are why.

What's the big deal? You've gotten your way. Things progress and we have, too. The landlines will be going away. Besides, copper is expensive and now the younger people are stealing the copper wiring. There is no way that the system will support these much longer. We GET IT! Right now, though, I find it handy not to give my cell number to everyone. 

The Good China

Not the country. We're talking about the fancy dishware sets that, like the formal living room, were only to be used when guests came over. For folks under 50, plates aren't for saving, they're for using.

It's nice to have special things for special occasions that we have with special people. I really don't know why we had such nice dinnerware, as I have not used it very much, and it is very expensive. It probably goes along with the 'wood furniture' that the young people scoff about. But IT'S GOOD STUFF. Quality that last, unlike IKEA products that are nothing more than particle board. And...it is just like us, Built To Last!

Movie Dates

Partly because there are fewer quality movies being made (there are only so many sequels and superhero movies one can take)—and partly because these days it's easier to just Netflix and chill.

The movie industry has gone WAY off track. And who's to blame for that? The younger generation has no concept of modesty, manners, nor putting a pure good look to something. They need too much gore and sensation for entertainment. Not just good quality character movies. And once again, the young people have no idea how to teach older people how to use all the new technology. I'm inclined to think that most of it is filled with trash anyway.  

Asking A Father's Permission To Marry His Daughter

A few Gen Xers still hang on to it, but at this point it’s been the rare exception—not the norm—for quite a while.

Who owned her first? It sure wasn't you, and most fathers need to hear that a man will take care of and cherish a father's most prized possession. 

Handwritten Letters

It's rare getting a handwritten letters via snail mail at all these days—but even rarer is getting one hand written by a person under 60 years old.

I pity those who don't understand handwriting, as you will no longer be able to understand the history that is preserved from long ago. And there is just something very special about getting something WRITTEN that restores your spirit. But how would you know? When most of the time, you don't even see the importance of responding even in text. You are on you own, buddy! Let's just disconnect from anything we see as a nuisance. Let's not see anything as a lasting treasured item, 

Owning A Home

Sure, there are plenty of Gen Xers, millennials, and probably even a few Gen Zers buying homes. But it isn't as important to the younger generations as it was to baby boomers. It was expected, it was what you did. And yes, housing prices are keeping a bunch of people from home ownership, but plenty are very happy to rent, even if they could afford to buy—many even see it as the smart financial move.

Well, it is special to have you own property. Something that shows that you have WORKED, been successful and something that others have no say over. I never thought it was expected of me. It was something I was proud of. And we don't live in debt, because we worked hard to pay off the mortgage and in retirement, we are not paying rent, just expenses. Hopefully, younger people will not regret having something to show for their lives and commitment to society. 

Having 2.5 Kids

1977 marked the last time the average American family had more than two kids—barely, at 2.01. By 1978, it slipped to 1.96, and it’s never climbed past 1.95 since, quietly cementing the two-kid household as a thing of the past.

No comment as this is totally a personal choice. I'm fine with that.

Retiring At 65

Go to school, get a job, work 9-5, by a house, have 2.5 kids, retire at 65. That was how it was for the parents of baby boomers and for most of the baby boomers themselves. We've already talked about the changing work landscape as far as work-life balance and the disappearing 9-5. Whether it's retiring early or having a few side hustles and lines of passive income—the traditional retirement structure is going away.

All I can say is...you may never know the joy of stepping back and enjoying the fruits of your labors, whatever that looks like to you. Good luck with not having a place of your own later in life when the challenges of living get harder. You may never be able to retire on 'side hustles and passive incomes'. We didn't stand around waiting for someone to hand us something. What we worked for, we earned.

I am disappointed in this, and truthfully offended, article that shows no respect for our generation and for what we stand for. It surely explains to me why young people today don't want to look me in the eye, or give anyone older than themselves any respect. Many are spoiled brats, always given things and not understanding truly where you came from. I pity that lack of compassion. At my age now, I'm seeking out those people who have wonderful children and who have taught them to honor others and be nice with good manners. There are many of you out there and I'm choosing YOU and the people to lead us into the future. I praise and thank God for you.

What do Gen X and millennials Want? Part 3

 THINGS I SEE FROM DAYS GONE BY THAT CAN NEVER BE THE SAME

I copied the article entries, and then addressed each category in bold green  

Photo Albums
No, not the Google photo album on your phone. We're talking real life physical photo albums with real life physical printed photos. Ya, we know—if you're under 30, none of those words make any sense.

It is important not to discard these old photos, especially those family portraits and the old photos from the 1800s and turn of the 20th century. It's your family history. Please cherish these as they cannot be replaced once they are trashed.

Phone Calls
Yes, younger people still make phone calls. However, a text or DM is often the first choice and if someone doesn't answer, you don't leave a message (they can see that you called on their phone).

What is more valuable than someone's voice wishing you a good day, especially someone who truly cares about you. We see it as rude to just hang up and let you guess why we are calling. Then again, we are the generation that will look you in the eye, greet someone openly and value the conversation. We truly were taught proper etiquette.  

Voicemail
Think about the last time you had a voicemail. Odds are it was either from a business confirming an appointment or from someone over 60. And let's not forget...
 We are sorry to inconvenience you with our voices. Same answer as above. 

Leaving Date, Time, And Name In Voicemail
"Hi, it's Dad. It's 1:30, Thursday afternoon..."
 This is not needed anymore, true. As the calls are time stamped. I, however, like to hear a greeting and/or to know if there is something that I need to be aware of. 

Wearing A Suit And Tie To Work
It started with casual Fridays and we've been adding more days of the week ever since.

Believe me, we were most excited when we were allowed to wear jeans on Friday. However, there are certainly professions that we expect to carry the formal protocol. It shows class. We don't expect this to be an everyday thing, but there is nothing wrong with making yourself the best that you can be.
 
Checks
Think about the last time you saw someone write a check? How old were they? There are surely many people reading this who have never written a check in their lives. And never will.

Come on! Our generation didn't live on plastic. It can be a disaster as you rack up debt. When you use a check, you should write down and keep a record of your expenses. This younger generation does not seem to understand living within their means. NOT racking up a huge debt! It is also a way that I save some people, like my hair stylist, from having the expense of processing payments. Then honestly, we are not adept enough, nor trust our phones with our finances. 

Formal Living Rooms
For all you young people: A formal living room was a full room in the house that was only used when guests came over. It also usually had nicer furniture and accoutrements than did the regular living room that was used by the family 99% of the time. And not only was it only used when guests came over—you were not allowed to step foot into it at any other time. 

I pity those who find this as something to complain about. It is with pride that we have a room that represents us. When guest arrive, they don't walk into a room that is littered with our mess of the day. 
 
Couches Wrapped In Plastic
This one pretty much ended with the parents of boomers—but there were probably a few boomers who kept the annoyingly noisy and uncomfortable tradition alive.

No, we no longer live on plastic wrapped couches. But let me put it into perspective. My parents had nothing when they started out. Times were tough after WWII, and when Daddy began to make enough to start buying good furniture in the early 1950's, my parents had 1 toddler and 2 very young children. And NO, we didn't live on it for all that long. I can only imagine how Mother felt when she finally decided to take off the cover...and let go of the "newness".
 
Cable
The cord-cutting began years ago and with the proliferation of streaming services, it's only gotten worse (for cable companies, that is). From just under 100 million cable household subscribers in 2017, that number now sits under 70 million in the United States—not to mention the fact that close to 80% of cable subscribers are over 60 years old.

Instead of bashing us, maybe you should seek out an elderly couple who doesn't understand new technology...and help them out, setting it up with explanations. We live on a set income, and we prefer to do things ourselves, BUT hiring people to come in, takes money, time and trust. You will understand one of these days, when things seem to have left you behind. 

Organized Religion
No, we definitely aren't predicting the end of religion. That's not going to happen. However, we can point out that 68% of 18 to 49-year-olds are religiously unaffiliated—as compared to 18% in the 80s.

I'm speechless and heartbroken about this. I will go to my grave knowing that THIS is the main reason our nation is falling apart. We believe in the word of God. We understand that following His laws are difficult and that hard truths are buried deep in those laws. People now-adays want to change the narrative to make it easier to live with a clear conscience, so they set a new standard, rather than to live by the law. In the end, you will face judgement.
 
Cash
Again, like religion, we aren't predicting it will go away completely. But think about how often you tap and swipe as opposed to pull out cash from your wallet to pay for anything. You might've also noticed more and more businesses popping up with signs saying "Cash Not Accepted".

I have no words. The value of a dollar in your hand and understanding that when it is passed OFF in exchange for an item, it is NO longer in your hand. You have to build up the supply again before the next purchase. Just like recording and keep up with your paper checks. I addressed the PLASTIC world above and it is disgusting how people are living in debt because they want to be instantly gratified.