Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1931-01-08
George Washington
An Ardent Lover
When the Young Virginian Met and
Won Martha Gusts.


So much has been written OH the
more spectacular phases Of George
Washington's life that it is sometimes
difficult to appreciate the really human
qualities of the man One of the finest
stories every told of Washington is
that Of lis courtship of Martha Gusts
and their subsequent marriage. In this,
story are revealed some of the best
and most attractive qualities of Amer
leans greatest hero The firm, strong
willed leader of men who unflinch-
ingly would face death on the battle
field found that he needed the compan-
ionship and helpful counsel of a
woman. Fortunately he met the sort
of woman he wanted to preside in his
home, and they were married on jan
uary 6, 1853.
The story of George Washington's
marriage to Martha Gusts is told by
the Division Of Information and Pub
LEGATION Of the George Washington BIZ
centennial Commission, in a statement
intended to call attention to the 172nd
anniversary Of this notable event.
George Washington first met the
Widow Gusts at the home of Major
Chamberlayne in May, 1853. The lady
had then been a widow for about a
year. She had married Colonel Daniel
Parke Gusts when she was seventeen
years old, and was left at his death
eight years later, with two small chill
dren and considerable fortune. Al
though it is said that Washington was
r. A~I Ar Mwc r,,c%ic for
the first time by Chamberlayne, it is
almost certain that the famous soldier
and the charming widow had at least
heard Of each other before that time
Fate must have taken hand in the
events of that day in May when
Colonel Washington was detained at
Williams Ferry over the Pamunkey by
his friend, Major Chamberlayne, who
earnestly pressed upon the young man
an invitation to stay his journey and
enjoy the hospitality of the plantation.
But Washington was Fastening to Will
liamsburg where he intended to ask
the Governor in person for men and
supplies for the frontier, which pre-
vious urgent letters had failed to OBJ
tain. Chamberlayne was insistent how
ever, and when 1t appeared that all
his opportunities must fail to alter the
plans Of the Colonel, he informed the
latter that he was then entertaining the
charming Mrs. Gusts. This argument
apparently, was potent enough to con-
4 vince the young warrior where all
others had been vain, and Washington
consented to remain only long enough
to partake of the meal which was Their
being prepared.
Bishop, the personal servant Of Wash
ington, who had served under Brad
dock, was instructed to hold the Col
onels horse in readiness for speedy
departure as soon as dinner was over
The old soldier knew very well hi
masters reputation for punctunlity, ant
since the business at williamsburg wa
important, he fully expected that thi
wait would be brief one But the din
ner hour passed, the sun sank lowe
into the west, and still Washington
fingered. At last in the warm dusl
of the May evening the faithful sBishol
: received orders to stable the horses TO
J, the night and the journey was post
a poned until the next day
v There is something amusing in thi
= scene of budding romance, although
Y is no wonder That Washington tarriet
i Martha Gusts was beautiful, attractiv
: and accomplished She has beer de
d scribed as being short slightly plum
If and of engaging personality Certainl
the Coloneps interest in the lady WE