Martha Washington: An American life/Patricia Brady 276 pg.Life in Colonial America was no bowl of cherries but you wouldn't know it if you talked to Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. She was well known to be a delightful conversationalist and had an uncanny ability to put people at ease. She was born into a typical family that worked hard for survival and was successful but not wealthy. She attracted her first husband with her beauty and engaging personality. He was from a much wealthier family whose patriarch was against the match until Martha went and talked to him herself. By all accounts, her first marriage was very happy and produced 4 children, 2 of whom survived infancy. Then, she became a widow with a lot of money and a business. She stepped into the role of plantation boss which she ran effectively. Make no mistake, the young widow now had a lot of options...she was a total babe and rich to boot. Men came calling but one stood out, George Washington. She married George and was absolutely in love with and devoted to him for the rest of her life. The feeling was mutual. They made a great team and you know how things turned out for him. This book gives a great overview of life in Colonial America, the status and situation for women of the time and Martha herself. She was a remarkable woman and loving wife and mother. We are lucky to have had her as the first First Lady, she put us on a good path.
No comments:
Post a Comment