Tag Archives: General George Washington

Abigail Adams: Tea With the General

Mrs. A. The Outspoken Most historians concur that Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) was a woman far ahead of her time. Born to a Congregationalist minister and his better-pedigreed wife, the Smiths were well regarded and middle class; certainly not wealthy … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, John Adams, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Death of Jack Custis

Martha’s Kids In 1750, eighteen year old Martha Dandridge married Daniel Parke Custis, twice her age, and one of the wealthiest planters in Virginia. They had sincerely liked each other, and the marriage was happy for seven years. Then Daniel … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

George Washington: A Tale of Two Christmases

Christmas Celebrations Circa 1770 Christmas celebrations have been around for centuries. In the 18th century American Colonies, particularly in the South, people decorated their houses with home made wreaths of pine boughs and cones, ribbons and vegetation. It was usually more … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, Harry S Truman | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

George Washington and the Purloined Packet

Delivering the Mail Written communication i.e. letters, documents, newspapers, etc., was not nearly as common in early colonial times as it would become in later generations. First of all, literacy. A large percentage of people could not read or write. … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Joseph Jones, James Monroe and General Washington

The Hon. Joseph Jones Joseph Jones (1727-1805) practiced the triple professions of many well-to-do Colonial men: planter, attorney, and political office-holder. One can easily list Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, Tyler, and a slew of others in that category. Born in Westmoreland … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, James Monroe, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

George Washington: Disposing of Stuff

The Retired General George Washington (who preferred his military title of “General” once retired from the Presidency) was only 67 when he died in December, 1799 – a couple of weeks before the turn of the nineteenth century. No doubt … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Martha Washington’s Speckled Apron 

Mistress Custis, Mistress Washington Martha Dandridge (1731-1802) was not born to wealth per se. She was born, very much like George Washington, to a family of gentry. Her father, John Dandridge, owned several hundred acres. This entitled him to a … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

George Washington Revered and Reviled

Harry Truman probably said it best. “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” The Thick Hide It is a part of human nature to be sensitive to criticism. Those who achieve celebrity, whether it be political … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, John Adams | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Traveling With Lady Washington

Martha Washington was a homebody, and never liked to travel. Traveling: 18th Century Style If Martha Washington disliked traveling, and actually was afraid of it, she had reasons. Travelers had limited options: foot, animal, vehicle-and-animal. If water crossing was included, … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

George Washington and the Presidential Salary

George Washington was not born to wealth. GW: The Gentry Background George Washington (1732-99) was born to a solid middle class gentry family. His father, Augustine Washington, had been married previously, fathered two sons and a daughter, was widowed, and … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments