Recently reading Martha Washington: An American Life by Patricia Brady, I gleaned a host of new information for historical explorations!
One of the reasons why there aren’t a lot of great books full of information on Martha Washington is because she understandably led a private life.
Although she burned letters from her husband, a couple have survived…which enabled my kids and I to interpret George and Martha Washington’s story in one of our Becoming History presentations.
Therefore, Patricia Brady wove the facts we know about Martha Washington into the worldview and lifestyle of Virginia society and the early Republic, for this informative book.
EARLY VIRGINIA HISTORY
Opening with the backstory to her birth, the book describes how her parents and their parents settled the early wilderness of Virginia.
I loved this fascinating read which provides a peak into how Virginia used to be and how it grew.
DEPORTMENT
Since the training of deportment was important in Virginia society, and because we know that Martha was esteemed highly throughout her life, it is reasonable to assume that she learned proper manners, or deportment.
Although it is not likely that she received lessons in French, art, or music like girls from wealthier homes, we can be certain that she learned at least the basics.
With this methodology, the author made long lists and descriptions of what we can assume about her, which is a fascinating study.
CUSTIS FAMILY
After learning that she was an excellent horseback rider, we learn of her first husband, Daniel Custis.
His father, John Custis, owned property in Williamsburg, seen today on the Duke of Gloucester Street at the end of the Palace Green, near the colonial nursery.
Known today as the Custis Tenement, it displays a lovely garden.
John Custis was renowned for testing seeds and plantings and such in his garden in the early days of Virginia.
MERCANTILISM
I also love how this book describes the mercantilism which was the economy of Virginia while under British rule, which my kids learned from the historical interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg
FASHION INVENTORIES
Brady also includes much detail was put into fashion in the 18th century, from fashioning the home to fashioning the body, all detailed from the Custis inventories:
Never extreme in her dress, Patsy (Martha) liked elegant fabrics, bright colors, and fashionable, but not exaggerated styles. Daniel had to learn her taste; early in their marriage, he started to order green satin for a ball gown, only to scratch it out and amend it to her favorite blue. Patsy took pleasure in the luxury of buying a dozen pairs of kid gloves at a time or an ivory fan in the latest London fashion. Every year when the tobacco ships arrived, she unpacked her purchases from their chests-silk stockings for her slim legs, a black satin hat, white or flowered calico for a summer dress, purple and crimson pumps, a quilted crimson petticoat against winter’s drafts, a scarlet riding habit. -from Martha Washington: An American Life by Patricia Brady, p37
MOURNING
As we all know, the Custis family soon grew to four children, two of whom died. Then her husband died.
With little time to express her grief, a local seamstress was called in to alter gowns into mourning dresses; a tailor came to make black mourning suits for Jacky and the male house servants.
In Daniel’s account book, the date of his last memorandum was 1757, shortly before he died.
Turning the page, the reader suddenly sees Patsy Custis’s neat and well-formed handwriting as she took up her husband’s responsibilities two weeks after his death, listing the items the plantations needed from England.
NEW LOVE
Also well known to history is that she soon met George Washington, who wrote after their marriage: I am now I believe fixd at this Seat with an agreeable Consort for Life and hope to find more happiness in retirement than I ever experienced amidst a wide and bustling World. (73)
GRANDCHILDREN
After Martha’s two surviving children died, she raised two grandchildren and became close friends with her daughter-in-law.
When those grandchildren grew up and married, more children were born.
Cousins and nieces came to visit and live and keep Martha company.
IMPRESSIVE RESEARCH
Researching her book through resources at Mount Vernon, the Virginia Historical Society, Colonial Williamsburg, the George Washington Papers at University of Virginia, Tudor Place, and many others, the author shares how she was inspired at a White House bicentennial celebration to write this book.
As friends with many of the contacts at the historical locations above, she acknowledges their collaborative effort extensively, which adds weight to the details within.
Because of the author’s immersion in primary source document, she can point out forgeries, which she details in the bibliography.
FAMILY TREE
Finding this both an interesting read and an excellent reference book, I’ve begun making family trees!
Fascinated by all the major families of 18th century Virginia, whom I repeatedly stumble upon, I’m starting to track family trees and all the homes that range from ruins to great condition.
As a result, I’m blown away by the new historical connections I’m making.
I’ve listed all of them on a staycation list that we’ll begin pursuing this summer.
Stay tuned!
