First Mother - Mary Ball Washington
Mary Ball Washington was President George Washington’s mom.
Mary Ball
Mary Ball was orphaned at just 13-years-old.
She was placed in the care of an uncle, George Eskridge, who would later introduce her to the man she would marry.
When Mary and her husband, Augustine, became wed they named the first of their six children after Uncle George.
The baby took on its father’s last name...Washington.
Not The Navy
By the time George Washington achieved manhood his father had passed away.
Washington was fortunate to secure a position in the Royal Navy, though his mother persuaded him to reject the office.
Mary had been convinced by her brother in London that George could go much farther attempting to establish himself as a Virginia planter.
Washington instead took up a career as a surveyor.
Money Please
George and Mary had a relationship that could be strained at times, though they cared for each other very much.
Just before the Revolutionary War broke out, Washington bought his mother a house in Fredericksburg, Virginia which lay around the corner from his sister, Betty.
There, he continued to supply Mary with money throughout his time as General of the Continental Army.
As mothers do, Mary embarrassed George in 1781 when she applied for a pension from the State of Virginia claiming that she could not afford to care for herself.
Lucky for George, his friends back home swept this incident under the rug when Washington assured them he was providing her with plenty of comfort.
Saying Goodbye
Mary lived long enough to see her son become the Chief Executive of a nation he helped create.
In April of 1789, while on his way to accept the office of President of the United States, George stopped in Fredericksburg to see his mother one last time.
Legend has it that at this meeting Washington asked his mother for permission for one last job. While this story is most likely a myth, George certainly knew this would be the last time he saw Mary.
When she died of breast cancer the following August, the nation collectively mourned, with the President wearing a black badge for five months as a tribute to her memory.
Want to read more about Washington’s immediate family?
First Siblings - George Washington’s Brothers (And Sister)
Do you want a good book on the fascinating life of Mary Ball Washington?
If so, I recommend ‘The Story of George Washington’s Mother.’
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below…
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Further Reading:
For more on Mrs. Washington check out this article on the Mount Vernon Website.
