Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-03-01
THE WASHINGTON FAMILY.
The Descendants of the Father of Ri,
Eountrv

Country.
While preparations were being made for
the ceremonies of defeating the Wash
ington monument, says the Wash
ingtOn Star, DIR. Joseph N. Toner,
as member of the commission in charge
Of the ceremonies, placed himself in COM
munication with members of the Wash
ingtOn family now living, with the view
of extending to them invitations to attend
the ceremonies. A reporter suggested to
DIR. Toner that the performances of this
duty had gwen him opportunities OF
learning much about the Washington
family.
Yes said DR.. Toner Il met many of
the men bearing the name OF Washington,
as well as members OF the family by col
lateral marriage bearing other names.
The number OF the kin 90 whom invita-
lions were sent was about 800. Thirteen
gentlemen bearing the name Of Washing
ton had seats together on the floor Of the
House of Representatives ON the occasion
OF the dedlcatOry services, and besides in
the gallery were seated 30 ladies Of the
kin of Washington"
lit is not strsnge," continued Dr..
Toner, ''that so large a kindred OF Wash
lngton should exist when it IS remem-
DN4CN lAdL ne udu lHO nan bIObuelo anu
one hall sister, as we'll as two ull brothers
and one full sister, all of whom mad fam
lies. His sister Betty married and left
large family. His two brothers, Charles
and Samuel, both married and settled in
the valley of Virginia on large and most
productive farms. Charleston, the c0un-
ty seat Of Jefferson county, West Yir-
ginia, was named after CHARLES Wash
ingtOn. His brother Samuel owned an
Il aAsr
of land. samuel was married five times,
though he died at the age of As. The de-
scendants Of Samuel are very numerous.
Those OF Charles, however, are compare
lively few"
"What are the characteristics of the
iamilyW asked the reporter.
sit may be said to be a characteristic of
the W ashingtOns," answered DIR. Toner.
"that they have been and still are devoted
to agriculture. A few have studied law,
and some medicine, but the greater num-
Der OF them take to mathematics, survey
ing and farming. When they have en-
gased in merchandising it has usually
been in connection with the management
of their estates. Both the full brothers of
Washington were deceased before the
General. The General died possessed of
large amounts of excellent land in Nir-
ginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsyl-
Yania, and devised these lands to his
nephews, who were, in consequence, put
in possession of considerable estates
that made them independent, influen-
tial and prosperous citizens in the
nejghbOrhOods where they lived. They
nearly all married young and left
families. 1t may be said, too, in this con-
nectiOn, that as family they are short
lived. A few exceptions to this rule is,
however, observable. l find that the
WashingtOns have always been fond Of
the gun, and the most noted horsemen of
the sections in which they lived. Their
personal appearance, as class, has been
characterized by tall, large-bOned frames,
and strong, Well-cut features. In their
habits they are social and hOspitabie to a
degree Of extravaganza. They have all
been free, good livers, and occasionally
some have INDUCED too freely in spirits,
but cases of inebr.ates among them are
exceptions. Their preference for agri-
culture over other pursuits is man.
ifested by the character of the
sections of country in which
the kin of Washington now reside. They
are most numerous in Virginia, Tennes-
see and Kentucky, but considerable
number of them also reside in Ohio, Min
nesOta. Pennsylvania, California and
Georgia, where they have usually settled
on the most productive farm lands. AS
another characteristic it may be stated
that they are unambitious for public posi-
ton, but wherever they have filed posi-
tions of trust they have discharged their
duties with fidelity. The ability of Judge
BushrOd Washington, member of the
Supreme Court, and his able reports will
suggest themselves to the minds of every
one"
''DO you find among them any striking
resem blance to the Father Of His COun-
tryY"
at was stated to me-" said DR.. Toner,
''by members OF various branches of the
family that occasionally would be born in
q family of the kin one bearing very
striking resemblance to Washington,
while his brothers, and even his father,
might retain only the general physical
of the WashingtOns.
George Washington, who now lives in
Alexandria, is remarkably like Gen.
Washington in personal appearance"
Perhaps" suggested the reporter, "it
Washington should return now, and wear
a full beard, no one would know him?'
There was not" said DR.. Toner, ga
General in the Revolution that wore 4
beard. There is not a portrait that shows
that any private engaged in that war
wore a beard"