The Mother Of George Washington And Her Times

Have you ever wondered about the influential figure behind the first President of the United States, George Washington? The woman who played a pivotal role in shaping his life and legacy is none other than his mother, Mary Ball Washington.

Life and Background

Mary Ball Washington was born on November 30, 1708, in Lancaster County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Joseph Ball, a prominent plantation owner, and his second wife, Mary Johnson.

As a young girl, Mary received basic education and learned essential household skills required of women in colonial America. Her father's wealth provided her with a comfortable upbringing, and she grew up surrounded by the responsibilities and privileges of the Virginia aristocracy.

The Mother of George Washington and her Times: Illustrated Edition

by Andrew Alan Rader(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	265 pages

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In 1731, Mary married Augustine Washington, a successful planter and widower. The couple settled in Popes Creek, Virginia, and together they had six children, of whom George was the eldest.

The Influence of Mary Ball Washington

Mary had a significant impact on George Washington's life, instilling in him values such as integrity, discipline, and a sense of duty. She emphasized the importance of education and encouraged his political aspirations.

During her husband's frequent absences due to political responsibilities, Mary managed the plantation and raised their children practically single-handedly. Her resilience and resourcefulness shaped George Washington's character as he witnessed her determination and strength.

Mary also shaped her son's understanding of slavery. She had inherited slaves from her father and owned them throughout her life. However, she expressed concerns about the institution, particularly its impact on families. These conversations likely influenced George Washington's evolving views on slavery.

Life During Turbulent Times

Mary Ball Washington lived during a tumultuous period in American history, marked by political unrest and the fight for independence. She witnessed the growing tensions between the American colonies and the British Crown.

Although she never actively participated in the American Revolution, Mary's home was often a hub of activity for influential figures such as George Mason and George Wythe. These encounters exposed her to revolutionary ideas and discussions.

During the war, Mary faced significant personal challenges as her husband passed away in 1743, leaving her a widow at the age of 35. However, her influential network and resilient nature provided her with support and resources to navigate these troubled times.

Legacy and Aftermath

After the Revolution, Mary Ball Washington's son, George, emerged as a prominent military leader and statesman. His election as the first President of the United States brought both pride and recognition to his mother's influence and teachings.

Mary passed away on August 25, 1789, at the age of 80. She lived long enough to witness her son's achievements and the birth of a new nation.

Today, Mary Ball Washington is remembered as the mother of the nation's founding father. Her character, strength, and supportive role in raising George Washington have shaped the historical narrative surrounding their family and the formative years of the United States of America.

When we think of George Washington, it is essential to acknowledge the influential role played by his mother, Mary Ball Washington. Her guidance, resilience, and support laid the foundation for his achievements and, in many ways, shaped his values and principles.

Mary Ball Washington witnessed and contributed to significant moments in American history, leaving a lasting impact on her son and the nation. Her story reminds us of the strong, courageous women who played a crucial role in shaping the United States.

The Mother of George Washington and her Times: Illustrated Edition

by Andrew Alan Rader(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	265 pages

FREE

The mothers of famous men survive only in their sons. This is a rule almost as invariable as a law of nature. Whatever the aspirations and energies of the mother, memorable achievement is not for her. No memoir has been written in this country of the women who bore, fostered, and trained our great men. What do we know of the mother of Daniel Webster, or John Adams, or Patrick Henry, or Andrew Jackson, or of the mothers of our Revolutionary generals? This book is dedicated to Mary Ball Washington, the second wife of Augustine Washington, a planter in Virginia and the mother of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Contents:
Mary Washington's English Ancestry
The Ball Family in Virginia
Coat Armor and the Right to bear it
Traditions of Mary Ball's Early Life
Revelations of an Old Will
Mary Ball's Childhood
Good Times in Old Virginia
Mary Ball's Guardian and her Girlhood
Young Men and Maidens of the Old Dominion
The Toast of the Gallants of her Day
Her Marriage and Early Life
Birthplace of George Washington
The Cherry Tree and Little Hatchet
The Young Widow and her Family
Betty Washington, and Weddings in Old Virginia
Defeat in War: Success in Love
In and Around Fredericksburg
Social Characteristics, Manners, and Customs
A True Portrait of Mary Washington
Noon in the Golden Age
Dinners, Dress, Dances, Horse-races
The Little Cloud
The Storm
Mary Washington in the Hour of Peril
Old Revolutionary Letters
The Battle-ground
France in the Revolution
"On with the Dance, let Joy be unconfined"
Lafayette and our French Allies
In Camp and at Mount Vernon
Mrs. Adams at the Court of St. James
The First Winter at Mount Vernon
The President and his Last Visit to his Mother
Mary Washington's Will; her Illness and Death
Tributes of her Countrymen