Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-02-26
loved was born in west-Moreland


county, Virginia, February %, 1882.
After serving In the Revolutionary
war as general, he returned to his
home at Mount Vernon. After his cleo
ton for president the news was car
rfed by horsemen to Mt Vernon where
Washington was very busy farming.
Virginia, his native state, tried to re-
ward him for his services, but he
steadily refused all pay At last,
finding that it would hurt the Vir-
ginian's feelings If he did not accept
the gift. he took 1t on condition that 1t
be used to found the university which
now bears his name and that of the
great southern general. Robert E. Lee.
Washington had preferred to live
quietly at home, but when he found
he was elected president, he unselfish-
ly prepared to go and serve his coun-
try in the new way. All the way to
New York he was welcomed by
speeches, bell ringing, receptions, ETC.,
and when he came to Trenton Bridge
where he had once won a great victory
thirteen young girls addressed in
white, strewed flowers under his
horses's feet Here, too band played
d D1CSo VI uluSlC WIlIhtu LII w cooHlhS-
tons honor, and called the "Presi-
dents March, Over his head were
great green arches bearing mottos
and one of them said that Washington
had watched over the mothers and
would therefore taxa care of the
daughters.
AS there were no ferries in those
days he was rowed over to New York
In a barge manned by thirteen sailors
all of whom were dressed in fine new
red, white and blue uniforms.
Standing on the balcony of Federal
hail. New York, where his statue now
stands he took his oath as president
on April 80, 1889 Washington served
two terms as president, and would
have been elected the third time had
he not refused. He was always well
and hearty, until one day he caught
severe cold by riding in the snow and
rain and then sitting down to dinner
with molasses and vinegar, but when
he grew worse his physician was hast
lily called. After the doctor had done
all he could for his patient Washing
ton quietly thanked him, after which
he said: 81 die hard but am not
afraid to die Nor need he have been
afraid to die, for as he had done all
he could for his country his con-
science was at rest. Surrounded by
his wife, his secretary and few faith
full friends and servants he gave his
final orders for his burial at Mount
Vernon. Then whispering "1t is we'll"
be quietly breathed his last in 1899.
In his will some Of his servants
were to be set free then, and some
only at the death of Mrs. Washington
His estate was left to some of his rela-
tives, who some few years later sold it
TO the ladies of the Mt Vernon as
ISOLATION. This association decided
that they would leave his house as
near like it was as he left it, and now
thousands of people visit his home.
Among the relics Of Washington's
are some table ware he used during
the Revolutionary war, the big key
Lafayette sent him from the La Bas-
tile prison and some clothes. Among
the latter are some pieces of gowns
Mrs Washington used to wear, and
the heels of one Of her slippers made
of pure silver.
Well, this is only an outline Of the
man who was first In war, first in
peace, and first in the hearts of his
countrymen.
Pauline Russell, age 49,
Keosauqua, Iowa.