Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-02-21
His Boyhood a Healthy,
Happy One, Crowded With
SpOrts-Geraldine Ludeman

"A llltle ldlSl ulS Dduy eyes "Si -
probably dazzled by the flames which
enveloped and burned his home. The
family now removed to new home on
the Rappahannock. All the influences
Of his early years were of pure,
sound. elevating character. His boy
hood was a healthy, happy one, crowd
ed with robust activities and sports.
George held his elder half-brother,
Lawrence, in the highest esteem, and
was very much devoted to him. Law
renee was highly educated and had al
ways associated with the highest rank
of people. This influence over Wash
ington had great deal to do with the
forming Of his habits and traits. When
Washington was eleven years old, his
father died, leaving large estate to
Lawrence, who. in honor Of his COM
mander in the West Indies, named it
Mt. Vernon. This place, in due time,
was inherited by George Washington.
Washington's education consisted
chiefly of the three RS" and survey.
ing (Which he learned in later years..
His exercise books written In large
bold hand. still remain and are models
of this kind.
It was the intention Of the family
for George to be Virginia planter.
but later years showed decided mill
tary tendencies. Among the daisies OF
the Westmcreland meadows. he
formed companies and drilled his
small companions. Anyone watching
must have seen there was the making
Of soldier in the little boy.
When George Washington was six.
teen. he met Lord Thomas Fairfax.
who came to America to visit his
relatives and see about vast tract
of land. inherited from his mother.
The two became great friends and
out OF this friendship grew an event
of great consequence to young Wash
ington's future life. Lord Fairfax
wanted his land surveyed and felt that
this boy of sixteen was capable OF
the immense and perilous
task. In March 174S. Washington and
young Fairfax, attended by an Indian
guide started on their journey:
courageous. bold and daring, he faced
every danger and overcame every
obstacle. The success of this under
taking won him the position of pub
lie surveyor.
When Washington was 81 he was
sent by Gov Dinwiddie across the
wilderness with message to the
French commander on Lake Erie, de-
handing the withdrawal of the
French soldiers from the Ohio river
region.
In the French and Indian war 1854
SO, Washington served as aide to Gen.
D~o 7n h4 Hfctino oh o6
himself by saving Braddocks entire
army from destruction. BraddOck not
needing the warnings Of older and
more experienced generals, marched
to meet the Indians with waving ban
ners and rolling drums. and was very
much surprised when his soldiers were
shot down from behind trees and
boulders. Washington hurried to the
rescue with his colonial troops and
fought as the Indians did, thus saving
the army from complete; destruction.
Braddock himself was mortally
so washington took COM
mand of the army. The hardships and
sufferings of war seemed as nothing.
when he experienced the joy of seeing
the English flag wave triumphant
over the disputed territory.
Everyone is familiar with the roman
tic meeting Of Washington and the
beautiful Martha Gusts. who became
his bride in Jan. 1859, and who. later,
presided with such stately dignity as
the first lady of the white house.
Washington's home life at Mt. Yer
non was ideal. Few men could have
such vast estate so success
fully. Washington. ever of fine COM
appearance, was the best
horseman of his age, and could be
seen most any morning, while the dew
was still sparkling, galloping over the
plantation giving orders for the days
work. He was keen lover Of the
hunt, and this sport was his favorite
pastime.
1t was a pity that this home life
should last but sixteen years. but at
the end of that time, events which
We're to form thrilling chapter in
history were rapidly de-
and when the tyranny of
Great Britain was no longer bearable,
and the war of the revolution began,
Washington was made commander-in-
chief by the first continental con-
gress in 1775.
1t would take too long to relate
the hardships and sufferings of the
war. but the crossing of the Della
ware cannot be passed unnoticed
On Christmas eve 1776. Washington
took his army in spite Of ice and
storm, and silently crossing the river
the Hessians at their merry
making in Trenton, and captured 1000
men. This perilous trip has been the
of many artists.
During the terrible winter at
Valley Forge, Washington cheered and
encouraged his men. who were starved
and half clothed. Over two-thirds of
them being without shoes, their bleed
ing, frozen feet left trail of blood,
which the Indians easily followed.
all this, Washington was
noble and brave as ever, often depriv-
ing himself Of rations for the sake of
his men. and at last crowned with
victory, he received the surrendered
sword at Yorktown. When the news
of the victory reached the people, bells
were rung. bonflres lighted, and all