Martha Washington: Early Life
Martha Dandridge was born on June 2, 1731 in New Kent Country, Virginia. She lived in the Dandridges' two story house named Chestnut Grove. In the two story house, there was a total of 8 children. They were schooled at the home, where, girls were only taught the basic things by their father such as reading, writing, mathematics, and religion. While boys were taught other subjects, the girls would learn how to run a household, entertain guests, and take care of a family.
Martha enjoyed learning and liked when she had music and dancing lessons.Her days mostly consisted of riding horses, cooking, and gardening too. She learned how to grow and turn herbs into medicine. Martha was very talented at sewing and learned to make clothes and fancy embroidery when young. Martha attracted a suitor at the age of 18. With her being five foot tall, having dark hair and hazel eyes, it would be hard not too. The suitor she attracted was named Daniel Parke Custis who was 20 years older than her. Daniel Parke Custis wanted to marry Martha. Although, his father, John Custis, did not want him to marry Martha since her family was not at the best height on the social latter for Daniel. Martha then charmed John, with her kind and gentle character. John died before the wedding date which was very unfortunate. Martha Dandridge married Daniel Parke Custis on May 15,1750. They lived in the estate Daniel inherited from his father, called White House. White House was not far from where Martha had grown up. In 1751, Martha gave birth to her and Daniel's first child named Daniel Parke Custis. They had a daughter named Frances Parke Custis in 1753. Death became of 3-year-old Daniel the next year. After Daniel's death, Martha became very protective. They had their second son on November 27,1754 and named him John Parke Custis. Their last child was a little girl named Martha Parke Custis. Soon two more tragedies happened when 4-year old Frances died and her husband became ill and died also. Martha Dandridge Custis was in charge of many of the business things now. At the age of 26, Martha was one of the richest women in Virginia. She would visit her friends and families houses often. One of those visits was when she met George Washington and her life changed forever. |