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Birth
John Dandridge and Frances Jones got married in 1730, and a year later had their first daughter, Martha. Martha was the oldest of 8 children. Her family belonged to the minor local gentry, and were not members of the highest level of Virginia society. -
Period: to
The Life of Martha Washington
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Martha marrys Daniel Parke Custis
Martha was 19 when she married Daniel, whereas he was 38. They met each other at the local Anglican church. He was the son of one of the wealthiest men in Virginia, John Custis IV, who owned thousands of acres of land. Daniel's father was also on the Governer's Council. -
Martha has her first child
Martha's first child was named Daniel Parke Custis, and her first daughter was named Frances Parke Custis (born in April 1753). Sadly, both of these children died before the age of five. Martha did however hae two more children with her husband, nicknamed Jacky and Patsy. -
Daniel Parke Custis dies
Shortly after her second child died, Martha's husband died as well. Although Martha used her husband's money to buy the best doctors available, there was nothing they could do to save him. Martha became a widow at age 26, with two small children to raise, and her husband's debt to pay off. She was promised 1/3 of his estate. -
George and Martha meet
On March 16, 1758, George Washington paid a visit to Martha's home. He had heard about her being single, and traveled there to court her. Shortly after, he made another visit on the 25th. He then returned to the military. -
Martha and George get married
George and Martha Washington married on January 6, 1759. The attraction between the two were mutual and happened immediately. They married less than ten months after they met, and less the 18 months after Martha's former husband died. -
Patsy Washington dies
Patsy died at only the age of 19 from a violent seizure. Martha was devistated until her son, Jacky, got married on February 3, 1774. At the age of 26, however, Jacky also suffered death. -
George was inaugurated
After George was inaugurated, Martha Washington was made the first lady. She realized that her behavior would set an example for all other first ladies in the future. One of her most important steps was to have a weekly party or reception on Friday nights for anyone that would like to attend. -
George dies
George Washington died only two and one half years after his retirement. Martha was mourning his death and recieved hundreds of letters and visitors who told her how sorry they were. She became concerned for her safety because in her husband's will it stated that 123 of his slaves would be set free after his wife's death. Martha released all of her slaves on January 1, 1801. -
Martha Washington meets death
Martha Washington died at the age of 68. She suffered great tragedy throughout her life, all four of her children and both of her husbands died within years of each other. Although there was much tragedy, there was also much joy. She became very wealthy and had two very happy marriages before her husbands had died.
