Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-25
BALL HOMESTEAD IN VIRGINIA
WHERE GEN. WASHINGTON'S
FATHER WAS MARRIED.
Foundation Stones Of Old Residence
Preserved-Other Places Of
Historic Interest.

A visit was recently made by Joseph I.
Keefer of this city to the old Ball place
on the Rappahannock river. where Mary
Ball was born and where she married
John Augustine Washington. father of
Gen. George Washington. Mr.. Keefer.
who is direct descendant Of Esther Ball
Chinn. an aunt of Gen. Washington, has
been collecting historical data about the
first American President for many years
Speaking of the old Ball place on the
Rappahannock, he says: 1.-The ancient
house has long since gone to decay, but
the foundation stones are preserved and
grove Of giant old oak trees. now over
five feet through. stands to make square
OF about 100 feet to mark this place of
historical interest.
"h1te chapel. two miles away. where
the marriage took place. is still stand
ing. and we'll preserved tombstones of
some Of the first members of the Ball
family are to be seen there the location
of which is about 100 miles south of
Fredericksburg, and can be reached by a
nne line of steamers either from Ralti-
more. washington, Norfolk or Fredericks-
Durs, stopping at Monaskon, and from
there the distance Is about eight miles
An Immigrant in 1865.
In his latest writing Mr. Keefer saws:
John Washington. the generals great
grandfather. came to this country in 1866
and settled on Pope's creek, marrying
Ann Pope. daughter Of the first settler
in that section Of the Potomac river,
Here were born his sons: Lawrence Wash
ington, the generals grandfather who
afterward went to England and became
the vicar of Wakefield, and John Angus
tine Washington, the father of George,
who married Mary Ball. living at Epping
Forest on the Rappahannock river. and
built fine house at Wakefield a few
miles from Pope's creek, where their first
child. George, was born They had six
children, three born at Wakefield, and
the other three born at the old Epping-
wassen mill at Dogue Run, back Of Mt.
Vernon. about four miles. When George
was between four and five years old the
house at Wakefield burnt down from q
fire started in the spring to destroy some
old leaves John Augustine Washington,
Mary Ball and the then three children.
George, Betty and Samuel. moved UP to
the old mill, living there until Mr.. Wash
ington could purchase tract of land
across from Fredericksburg, about mile
long. on the east bank of the Rappahan-
mock river named Ferry Farm. While the
family lived at Dogue Run three more
children were born, John Augustine,
Charles and Mildred.
Ferry Farm Purchased.
Finally the purchase of Ferry Farm
was effected. about which time the
it took a whole twelvemonth to settle
up his estate, upon the completion OF
which the Washington family moved to
~.
after so doing, John Augustine Washing
tom the father died, and Mary Ball took
to the management of the little family,
having much land and some money.
Grave Vault Only Remains.
OF the old Washington home at Popes
creek there is nothing left but grave
vault. which is said to contain the re-
mains Of the first John Washington Law
renee Washington is buried in Wiltshire.
England John Augustine Washington is
buried in ST. Georges Chapel graveyard.
Fredericksburg.
At about fifteen years of age George
Washington left Ferry Farm, going to
live. with mis- half-Drother, Lawrence
Washington. who married Ann Fairfax.
they owning and living at Mt. vernon.
Here George met Lord Fairfax. and jour
neyed up the Shenandoah valley 10 the
cid GreenWay court. WEeFe ne oeSan
sixteen years Of age to survey upper VT
GINA for Fairfax and Gov. DinWidoIe.
Georges mother and the other children
! lived at Ferry Farm until they grew up
The historical house where Mary Bal!
lived and died in Fredericksonrs IS SUI,
standing. Three SQUARES to the south Is
.he last home of Betty Washington.
Enoun as Kenmore. about a quarter of a
mile from which is the tomb of Mary
washington. marked by handsome