The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-02-19
THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.
The Woman Who Gave a Great Son ia
the World.

The Woman Who Gave Great Son to
the World.
Mary Washington lived in an age when
the mothers of great men and women were
not such objects of interest to the world as
they are now. But little was thought in the
then new country of the mothers share in
producing and developing an immortal fig
ure
Enough is known to support the supposi-
ton that from her he inherited his strongest
mental qualities and splendid physique.
After he became the military hero of his
country everything pertaining to his pa
ternal ancestry was gathered and treasured
with jealous care, but no one thought of the
maternal genealogy.
Mary Ball was the daughter of well-to
do Virginia planter She was born in l7O6,
was carefully brought up and religiously
trained On March e. 1870, at the age of "A.
she became the second wife of Augustine
Washington, "A friend and neighbor of her
father, The wedding was celebrated with the
old time generous hospitality of Virginia
The Washingtons were planters of con-
siderable means in Westmoreland county.
Mary Washington found herself the step
mother of several children and the mistress
of one of the most comfortable homes that
section of the country afforded. 1t was
four large rooms and an entrance hall
of old-fashioned width. At each end
of the house on the outside was an enormous
chimney. 1t was situated on an eminence
about half mile from the Potomac river.
commanding view of the Maryland shore
for miles.
Here, on Feb, %, 1882, George, the first
child of Mary and Augustine Washington,
was born Six children were eventually
born TO them. They were named, respec-
lively, George, BETTY tafterward Mrs, Lewis),
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mil
dred The last named died in infancy. The
three soIs inherited separate plantations in
Virginia from their father, and there lived
and died
When George was 6 years old the Wash
ingtons removed to large plantation or
farm ON this Aappahannock river, oppoeits
Fredericksburg.
The Washingtons owned many slaves, snd
lbs spinning wheel and loom and sewing
room required constant care from Mrs
Washington, 1t was a religious household
Both MI and Mrs Washington were members
of the Episcopal church, and family prayers,
at which all the servants We're present were
the rue of the house
The mother was serious, earnest person,
whose reproofs to her children We're often
made in scrIptural language. Honor thy
father and mother was a command so thor
oughy instilled into their young minds that
they were as ohedient and reverent in their
later as In their earlier years. Mrs. Wash.
ington was left a widow when George was
but II Years old. She was the guardian of
her stepchildren as we'll as her own, intrust-
ed with the revenues of their property until
they severally came OF age, a trust she con-
scientiously fulfilled
She ruled kindly but firmly, exacting
Difference as well as obedience, and this, it
is said, her children willingly paid TO the
day of her death. She was dignified to the
point of being severely stately. From her,
doubtless, Gen, Washington inherited the
awe inspiring manner he was said to pos
sess. There is am old story describing the
discontinue of u man, an official of high
rank, too, who once familiarly put his hand
on Washingtons shoulder He said he
wouldn't do it again to save his own life
That mother and son were much alike in
character, appearance and conduct, there
can be no doubt Both We're lacking in
humor and imagination; both were silent,
reserved, selfcontaiued and serious.
George frequently spent his holidays aa
Mount Vernon with his brother Lawrence
who was largely responsible for putting him
| IN the way of Il military career and who
bequeathed to him Mount Vernon. When
he was but II years old midshipnans s
| position ON British man-of-w war eosld have
been secured for him. but his mot her refused
her consent This little Incident doubtless
saved him from ohscurity. Later she cheer
fully assented TO his departure to the French
and Indian war, aud from that time on %
only saw her on occasional visits.
Before starting north to assume corpmand
| Washington visited his mother, and during
his absence wrote her repeatedly When
she heard him extravagantly praised she an.
swered that Providence ordered all things
or said simply that he had been good son aud
she believed he had done his duty as a loan
| should. She did not see him for six years.
After the surrender of CORVALLIS at York
town. Washington visited her attended by
Bis stad' The people of Frederick sbarg gave
ball in his honor which was attended by
The most distinguished officers and citizens.
That was the only occasion when Mrs.
Washington appeared in public with her
son. she was then over 20 and received
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