Martha Washington: First Lady
First American President's Wife: 'Lady Washington'
A brief look at the life of Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, first lady of the United States of America who was known as "Lady Washington and ' Lady Presidentress' .
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the first 'first lady' of the United States, although that title was never conferred on her. She was know variously as "Lady Washington,' 'The Lady Presidentress' and many people wanted her to have the title of Marquise. Born at her parent's home, Chestnut Grove Plantation' near Willliambsurg, Virginia, on June 2, 1731, she married, at the age of seventeen, a wealthy heir to a tobacco fortune named Daniel Custis, who was thirty-eight at the time.
Children of Martha Custis
The couple had four children and lost two in their early years: Daniel, who was born in 1751 and died in 1754, and Frances, 1753-1757. The two other children were John "Jacky' Parke Custis (1754-1781) and Martha Parke Custis (1756-1773) who was known as 'Patsy.' Daniel passed away in 1757, leaving Martha with an enormous fortune which assured her a comfortable life.
Martha's Wardrobe
When she was a young girl Martha almost always dressed in white and in a very simple style. She was a tiny woman, just about five teet in height and slender, with creamy white skin and beautiful teeth. But it was a time of primitive dentistry and unfortunately In later years she was known to order her dentist to make her 'larger, whiter ,wooden teeth.' Also, in later years, she was criticized for wearing 'royal' clothes, such as satins, laces and ribbons. There were factions that thought she did not dress up to the office her husband held, while another group would criticize her for her wealthy clothes and shoes.
Marriage of Martha and George
Colonel George Washingtonand Martha were married on January 6, 1759, approximately two years after the death of Custis. It was rumored that George had been extremely interested in Sally Fairfax and married Martha partly for her estate. In letters to Sally after his marriage he refers to the 'happiest hours of my life which I have spent in your company...' But apparently the Washingtons were a happy couple and Martha often followed the now General Washington into the battlefields.
Lady Washington
Whatever the popular opinion was, and it was usually in favor of the "Lady Washington,' the couple stayed together for four decades and seemed to have a happy and pleasant marriage...one of 'domestic pleasures,' as Martha described it.
Honors for Martha Washington
Martha Washington was the first women to have a United States military ship named after her. The USS Lady Washington was launched during her lifetime, and she was also honored by having her image on three United States postage stamps, the first in 1902, which was followed by one in 1923 and a third in 1938.
Death of Washington
George Washington died in 1799 after having served as President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Martha followed him on May 22,1802.
Sources
Martha Washington, by Patricia Brady, Viking, 2005
First Ladies, by Carl Sferrazza Anthony, Quill, William Morrow, New York, 1990
