He Had No Biological Children, But He Was A Father Figure To Many

Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, the 27-year-old widow of wealthy plantation owner Daniel Parke Custis, on January 6, 1759, when he was 26 years old. The ceremony was held at Martha's estate; the couple enjoyed a wonderful marriage thanks to Martha's intelligence, graciousness, and estate management expertise. However, he had no biological children.

The reason Washington was unable to conceive has never been proven beyond a reasonable doubt; ideas range from George's early cases of smallpox or tuberculosis to Martha's measles case. Washington, however, became the legal guardian of John Parke Custis, also known as Jacky, who was four, and Martha Parke Custis, known as Patsy, who was two, when he wed Martha Custis, a wealthy young widow. He loved them dearly. But unfortunately, it is terrible that when Patsy, who was 17, passed away from an epileptic attack.

He particularly enjoyed giving advice in letters as a father figure, on topics ranging from romance to education. He said that love is “a mighty gorgeous thing; but like all other delectable things, it is cloying” and that it is “too dainty food to survive upon alone.” He also chastised his stepson for not being more disciplined with his studies and for marrying for the wrong reasons.