Martha Washington (1731–1802,) née Dandridge, previously Martha Custis, was the wife of George Washington, the first president of the United States and commander in chief of the colonial armies during the American Revolutionary War. She was referred to as “Lady Washington” because the term ‘First Lady’ came into vogue only after her death.
Born at the Chestnut Grove plantation in New Kent County, Virginia, Martha grew up in a wealthy plantation family. At age 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, heir to a neighboring plantation. Two of their four children died in infancy. Following his death, she became one of the wealthiest widows in the region.
After marrying George Washington in the spring of 1758, Martha took care of Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation, spent winters at Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War, lived with Washington during the presidency, and managed the Mount Vernon and the other plantations following his death.
Despite the loss of all four of her children, Martha maintained an austere dignity. When her only surviving son died, Martha adopted two of her grandchildren, who became surrogates for the children she and George never had. She became known for her courteousness and hospitality and set standards and customs for the appropriate behavior and treatment of the president’s wife.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Martha Washington
Steady as a clock, busy as a bee, and cheerful as a cricket.
—Martha Washington
Topics: Busy
The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us in our minds wherever we go.
—Martha Washington
Topics: Perception, Attitude, Happiness
I am still determined to be cheerful and happy,
in whatever situation I may be; for I have also
learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness
or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.
—Martha Washington
Topics: Circumstance, Happiness, Joy, Optimism, Attitude, Chance, Experience, Positive Attitudes
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