New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-21
KENMoRE HOUSE.

"As native Of the reghborhood are Won familiar
with any of the family history ?" asked.
"There are many traditions" was the reply, but
most of these have already been recorded in history.
Mary Washington belonged 10 an old Colonial family.
They came from England to Virginia 1850 and settled
in Lancaster County. The strong heavy tombstones
Of the members Of the family lie thckly around the
old White Chapel Church with the family crest carved
upon them Old Bishop Meade the Virginia Frossarf,
had delicious way Of deprecating all honor arising
from arstOcratic lineage, and yet he invariably con-
tnued to insinuate descriptions of crests and shields
He described the coat-ofarms OF the Balls in this
fashion There is much that is bold about TIA lion
rampant with a globe (Baln in his paws, helmet. a
shield visor, at-ofmail and other things betoken-
ing strength and courage but none OF these SUIT my
work. On the scroll which belongs to it are these
words "Coumque tueri-Seek the things which are
above.s'
Sparks refers to Mary Ball as a woman Of good
sense asslduity. tenderness and vigilance. she was
estlmable in all the relations of life and in none more
than her constant and generous attentions 10 me ne
cessities of the poor She therefore deserves az e
incense we may choose to burn IN her n SAINT Of
the Daughters OF the American Revolution mr. W.
cOlorless character by any mgs nrg are some
when relate 10 her decisive manner OF managing
young George. An old resident us 'fqcb !" means
great deal, and well might the Doy and tbe
in that episode OF the ma'chct a,Iu hoau
t,f ie nortrlt presents strong face with firm
mouth not unlike what her sons might nave 2ee n
turned back from broad brow and lr Marie AT Al
tolnette kerchef * knoted low at her {n0at, d
together the face Is a pleasing one. she lNeD az
Kenmore near Fredericksburg after the death Of her
husband. and there her usrlous son X,l ce % W
lam Kew Howard, and was built for Betty NasnlhEUll
when She became the bride OF fleldlhs LEWIS, VA
Revolutionary patriot. In the house IS carver
mantoIpeCe said T. have been designed by General
Washington illustrating Aesop fable OF Inc loN rb dH
was deemed not inappropriate for the dninelall;;
At Kenmore Mary Washington spent the a't d4a, 90
her lie saddened il is true. by Illness. but sust.lIeu
bv firm Christian faith Within q lew slePs vi ncL
rcstng-place (which she herself selected ioI feI sTNe
there Is picturesque ledge Of rocks where she usl
10 sit for hour, dreaming perhaps, OF th9 time Wheh
her hero-son was boy, and a. an evidence p oi M
hammock or Of her fainneSs Of heart winch saveu
him to his country. You remember ms luEga.e wa
already ON hoard an English man-OfWar ana a MIG
sipman's warrant in his pocket when she f)iDale NJ
going. otherwise he would have belonged 10 ue
The court records Of the time Of the Balls contain
some curious entries For instance, man Wa uagn
swearing Four times one John ChIion hned
and required to ask pardon on benqed knee iqr
Spci.e sUdar Tvora crimes for prcsentnent There
IS also curious letter Of advice written by George
Washingtons uncle against his mothers putting her
son George to SEA b IE r,td ne TbeT Mi cut and
sash him like q negro rather Ike dog. he mu,
not be too hasty to he rich but 20 on gently with
batience without aiming u be fine gentleman be-
fore his time 49,. A.. 80. ,,s
Mary Washington lived 10 be eightyfve years ola.
Her remains do not lie under the uncompletd NOM
ment The grave is IN the family buying ground near
tbe monument II is marked only by a simple N~l-
stone and is Overgrown with mass of tangled vines
The Gift Of ~ j. eXaced for membership IN me "a
ional Mary Washington Monument Asso "iatOn ana the
pavnent OF sos VIII entit any one tn life mher- MP
4 badge with a print in silver representing the
head and bust Of Mary Washington l. sent 10 each SUD
scrher All names will be enroll d. and preserved In
The custodan's house at Monument Park. Fredercks
burg ! shall be grateful if can make the NeW-York
recnrd a noble One'