Shortly after resigning his military commission George Washington (GW) wed Martha Dandridge Custis a wealthy young widow on January 6, 1759. Colonel Washington met Martha Custis the year before when Colonel Washington returned to supervise extensive renovations at Mount Vernon.
George and Martha never had any children of their own. Martha had two young children: Jacky (John Parke Custis) and Patsy (Martha Parke Custis) by her first husband. George and Martha never had any children of their own, but George was instrumental in raising in the two children whom he treated as his own.
Years later, the Washington’s also adopted two of their grandchildren, Washy and Nelly, after the death of Martha’s son, John Parke Custis. John died just prior to battle of Yorktown where he was serving under his stepfather’s command.
Historical documents provides clear evidence GW cared a great deal for his stepchildren and step-grandchildren. There are records of his careful management of their inheritances as well as letters to and from them. Furthermore, GW frequently communicated with his many nieces and nephews giving them advice, jobs and financial help over the course of his life.
In a letter written to Washington in 1776, John Parke Custis summed up his feelings toward Washington with these words …It pleased the Almighty to deprive me at a very early Period of Life of my Father, but I can not sufficiently adore His Goodness in sending Me so good a Guardian as you Sir.
Later in the same letter he provided the perfect definition of fatherhood when he wrote, “He best deserves the Name of Father who acts the Part of One…”
America’s first President was the Father of our Country and a stepfather and also a man of deep faith in God. During the terrible winter of 1777, at Valley Forge, the British just captured Philadelphia and the Continental Army was struggling to keep itself alive. Lacking food and clothing the men were dying of exposure and starvation. Political leaders many of them jealous of Washington began spreading rumors the general’s cause was hopeless.
However, the men who served under Washington felt differently. Despite the spartan conditions the moral in the camp was high. As William Bennett writes in his book, “The brutal conditions of Valley Forge could not suppress a spirit of comity that arose among the officers and their men.”
These men were inspired to go on because of the moral example Washington provided. His ability to inspire through his character is illustrated by a story told by a Quaker farmer. Walking in the woods near Washington’s headquarters this farmer heard a human voice. The farmer happened upon General Washington alone and on his knees in the snow. He was praying to God while tears ran down his cheeks.
After witnessing this humble act of faith the farmer returned home in great excitement. He told his wife Washington would not only prevail but would “work out a great salvation for America.”
This respect for Washington was a direct result of Washington’s personal character which flowed through his entire life. As Bennett points out, “Washington wasn’t born good. Only practice and habit made him so.” GW was keenly aware of his faults especially his temper and from an early age he worked at controlling this and other shortcomings.
In today’s “anything goes” culture this intense striving after moral excellence is rare but it’s the reason Washington’s men were willing to sacrifice for him — even when their cause appeared hopeless. And it’s the reason he was later chosen as our first president. As stepfather’s this same striving for moral excellence will make a difference in our families and everyone else who comes within our influence. Consider reading the book Our Sacred Honor.
The author, William J. Bennett has collected the best that has been thought and said by and about the men and women who founded America. The group also includes: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John and Abigail Adams, and so many more.
