George Washingotn was born on February 22 1732 on his parents estate named Pope's Creek Estate.  This is in Westmoreland Co VA near the now Colonial Beach, on the Potomac River. Four of his siblings were from his father and first wife Jane Butler Washington, George was the first child of his parents, Augustine and Mary Ball Washington (second wife, 1708-1769).  His great grandfather John Washington, immigrated to Virginia in 1657. His ancestors were from Sulgrave, England. George's father (1694-1743) was a slave owner and planter. His family moved to Stafford County, to a farm named Ferry Farm, when he was six years old and his father died when he was 11 years of age. As a young man, Washington had red hair.  His brother Lawrence died from tuberculosis in 1752, George survived tuberculosis, which he got from his brother, and became immune to the disease.  Washington married Widow Marthan Dandridge Custis on January 06 1759.  He and Martha would raise two children from her first marriage, as well as two of her grandchildren.  They would never have any children together, possibly because of his small pox history. He was granted land that is now in West Virginia, for his service in the French and Indian War.  Washington doubled the size of Mount Vernon by 1775.  He held local office and was elected to the Virginia provincial legislature, known as the House of Burgesses, because he was a respected military hero and large land owner. 

George originally intended to be a planter.  He was appointed to his first public office as surveyor of Culpeper County.  In December 1753 Governor Robert Dinwiddie of Virginia asked Washington to carry a British ultimatum to the French Canadians on the Ohio Frontier.  The message was ignored.  He was made a Lieutenant Colonel by Governor Dinwiddie in 1754 and sent him to lead an expedition to Fort Dusquesne.  Washington and his American Indian, Tanacharison led allies, as well as his troops, ambushed a French Canadian Scouting Party led by Joseph Coulon de Jumonville.  Washington's only military surrender occured at Fort Necessity.  Unable to read French, Washington was tricked into signing a surrender statement that stated he assassinated Joseph Coulon de Jumonville. . 1755 found Washington as an aide to Bridish General Edward Braddock.  In the Monongahela Expedition, Braddock was killed and Washington was made the Hero of the Monongahela.  In 1758 Brigadier General Washington was in the Forbes Expedition that caused the French to evacuate Fort Duquesne and Pittsburg.  He would resign from the military serrvice later in 1758 and return to being a Virginia planter and politician.

In April 1775, after fighting broke out and in military uniform, Washington appeared at the Second Continental Congress letting them know he was prepared for war.  He had the military experience, charisma, military bearing and reputation as being a strong patriot and he was supported by the south.  John Adams nominated George Washington, and he was appointed Major General.  He was also elected by Congress to be Commander-In-Chief.  In July 1775, Washington assumed command of the Continental Army in Cambridge Massachuesetts, during the siege of Boston.  British General William Howe launched a naval and land campaign in August 1776, to seize New York and offer a settlement.  In the Battle of Long Island, Washington and the Continental Army engaged in battle with the enemy in the largest battle of the entire war.  His army's nightime retreat across the East River, occured without a loss of a single life, is considered one of Washington's greatest military feats.  The Night of December 25, 1776 saw a counter attack by Washington, leading the American forces across the Delaware River.  After his victory in Trenton, was a victory in Princeton.  His troops were defeated in the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 by British fources.  How was able to march into Philadelphia. Washington's army camped at Valley Forge in December o 1777 for six months.  Washington attacked the British in Monmouth and drove them out of Philadelphia, into New York. 

The Treaty of Paris, signed in September of 1783, caused Great Britain to recognize the United States independence.  November 02 1783 is when Washington gave a farewell address to his soldiers after disbanding his army.  He resigned his commission as Commander-In-Chief with a formale farewell to his officers on December 23 1783.  His retirement was shortlived with an exploratory trip in 1784 to the western frontier.  He was persuaded to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, in 1787.  He was elected unanimously as President of the Convention. 

In 1789, the Electoral College elected Washington unanimously, and in 1792 he was elected again.  Wiith a salary of $25,000 a year, he was made the First President under the Constitution, for the United States of American on April 30 1789, in New York's Federal Hall.  Washington retired in March of 1797, from his position as President and returned to his home in Mout Vernon.  July 04, 1798 President John Adams, Washington became Lieutenant General and Commander-In-Chief of the armies to serve in a prospective war with France.  From July 13, 1798 thru December 14, 1799, he served as the senior officer of the United States Army.  In Snow, Hail and freezing rain, Washington inspected his farms on horseback.  The next morning he took sick with laryngitis and pneumonia.  He died on the evening of December 14, 1799 in his home at age 67. 
(unknown source)

George Washington, the 1st President of the United States, was born in Virginia, in the year 1732.

The common schools of that State afforded the only opportunity for his education. The study of mathematics was his principal delight. At the ago of nineteen he received an appointment in the army with the title of Major, was advanced to Colonel in 1754, and took charge of a campaign against the French at Fort Du Quesne, now Pittsburg, Pa. Erected Fort Necessity near that place, where he was attacked by four times his number of French and Indians, and, after ten hours severe fighting, was forced to surrender, but with the honorable terms of being allowed to return to Virginia unmolested with his command. We next find him covering the retreat of Braddock, where, by his cool bravery, he saved the army from destruction.

He was elected a member of the House of Burgesses, of Virginia, in 1759, and a delegate to the first Continental Congress in 1774. In that day of great peril, when Congress had done what it could to raise " That glorious old Continental Army" all eyes were turned to Washington as its leader, and ho was unanimously appointed its Commander-in-Chief; which he (with modesty and dignity) accepted, but declined all compensation for his services, asking only for the remuneration of his expenses.
During the seven years of the war of the Revolution, his prudence and firmness, and his bravery and wisdom, were the admiration of all calm and wise men. He brought order out of discord, and triumph out of difficulty. In 1787, he was called to preside over the Convention which met in Philadelphia for the purpose of forming a Constitution, the result of which was that admirable instrument which has ever since been the guide of the nation ; and, after its adoption by the States in 1789, he was unanimously chosen 1st President of the United States for four years, and in 1793 was called by the same unanimous voice of his country to serve a second term; on the expiration of which ho resigned, and, delivering his celebrated farewell address, retired to the peaceful shades of Mount Vernon, to enjoy the quiet of domestic life. He did not, however, live long to realize his ardent desire, for, after a short illness of only a few hours, he died, December 14, 1799, at the age of sixty-eight, and was buried at Mount Vernon, amid the grateful tears of his countrymen.

Washington was above the common size, with a robust and vigorous constitution, fine person, easy, erect, and noble deportment, exhibiting a natural dignity unmingled with haughtiness.

His manners were reserved, his temper highly sensitive, but always controlled by his judgment and prudence. His mind was strong ; and, though slow in its operation, was sure in its conclusions. His patriotism was as incorruptible as it was ardent, and a lofty recitude marked every small, as well as every great action of his life.

He devoted a long life to the welfare of his country, and while the love of liberty is cherished, every true American will delight to accord to him the proud title of "The Father of his Country."
(Source: Biographies of 250 Distinguished National Men by Horatio Bateman. Published 1871. Submitted by L. Rodriguez)

WASHINGTON, Mary (Ball), mother of George Washington, was born in Lancaster county, Va., in 1706, youngest daughter of Joseph Ball. Her grandfather, Col. William Ball, of Kent, England, served iii the Royalist army, and in 1650 settled in Virginia. His brother, Rev. John Ball, was a Puritan minister of Woodstock, Oxfordshire; and his family, of ancient and honorable lineage, is said to be descended from John Ball, the " mad preacher of Kent," who was beheaded in 1381 for participation in the rebellion of Wat Tyler. William Ball died in Virginia, in 1669. leaving two sons, William and Joseph, and one daughter, Hannah (Ball) Fox. The male line is continued solely by the descendants of his son, William, who left eight sons and one daughter. After the death of his father, Joseph Ball went to England to look after the estate, and was there married some years before his return in 1695. During the remainder of his life he was a prosperous planter, a vestryman of Christ Church, Lancaster, Va., and noted in the community for generosity and high social graces. Of the early life of his daughter, Mary, little is known. Her educational advantages were limited, the schools of the period being few and mostly taught by the parish ministers. She was reported beautiful, in youth a great belle, and was recognized among her associates as a person of rare charm and dignity of character. Her father died when she was a very little child, and she lost her mother in 1729, whereupon she went to live with her brother, Joseph Ball, a practicing lawyer in London, England. Here she met Augustine, son of John Washington, of Westmoreland county, Va., who after the death of his wife, Jane Butler, in 1728, is said to have resided for a while in Cookham, Berkshire, where he had fallen heir to some property.

Here, it is supposed, they were married, March 6, 1730, and here, on the authority of a Mrs. Morer, whose mother claimed to have nursed him in infancy, it has been asserted that their illustrious son was born two years later. The belief is still current, however, that George Washington was born in the modest farmhouse of his parents in Westmoreland county, Va. Augustine Washington was a typical gentleman of the best breeding of that day, was wealthy as wealth was then estimated, and the owner of several sizable farms in northeastern Virginia. The house to which he took his young wife was situated on the Potomac river between Pope's and Bridge's Creeks, a plain and substantial structure. On its site still remains a tablet placed there by G. W. P. Custis, declaring it the birthplace of the Father of his Country; and it is certain that here the second and third children of Mary Washington were born in June, 1733, and November, 1734. The house was destroyed by fire in April, 1735, and the family shortly after took up their residence at another farm owned by Mr. Washington on the left bank of the Rappahannock river, near Fredericksburg, Va. There Mary Washington gave birth to three other children: John Augustine, in January, 1736; Charles, in May, 1738; and Mildred, in June, 1739. The sudden death of Mr. Washington, April 12. 1743, was a sore affliction to the little family, but Mrs. Washington displayed the sterling worth and heroism of her character. As sole guardian of her children, she had the entire management of their training and education. She conducted daily prayers for her household and read selections for their edification from the Scriptures and books of devotion. As a disciplinarian she was firm and unyielding, demanding implicit obedience from children and servants alike. She was accustomed to visit her farm almost daily, seated in her open chaise, and would personally direct and superintend the work. Her energy would not suffer her to remit her labors even on the approach of old age. It is related that when her son in-law, Col. Lewis, once proposed that he should relieve her in the management of her affairs, the aged lady gave answer: "Do you keep my books in order, for your eyesight is better than mine; but leave the management of the farm to me."

After the surrender of Cornwallis, a grand ball was given at Fredericksburg to the leaders of the victorious army, and Washington attended with his mother. It is said that the foreign officers were anxious to meet the mother of their commander, and were "amazed on beholding one whom so many causes conspired to elevate, preserving the even tenor of her life, while such a blaze of glory shown upon her name and offspring." Washington regarded his mother with a filial affection and obedience unusual even in that day of respect and reverence for parents. At the age of fifteen he had an opportunity to enlist in the royal navy—his baggage was already on board the man-of-war in the Potomac—but his mother's final decision against the project was imperative despite his disappointment. Even in 1754, when desiring to enlist against the French and Indians he delayed his decision until her full consent was obtained. Such a mother and such a son were rare then, as now, but their examples are worthy all emulation.

On April 14,1789, he parted with her for the last time, going from her door to be inaugurated first president of the United States. Shortly after the august ceremony in New York he was seized with an acute malady, and had barely recovered his strength when he received the tidings of his mother's death, on Aug. 25, 1789. Mrs. Washington's piety was childlike and sincere. She would retire daily to a tree-shaded spot on her great farm, to pray and meditate on the sacred themes of some favorite book of devotion, and in accordance with a provision of her will, she was there buried. In 1833 was laid the foundation of a splendid monument to her memory, Pres. Andrew Jackson being present, and making an address, but there the matter rested, and the memorial still remains uncompleted.

 [Source: The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography Volume 8; By James Terry White;

Publ. 1898; Transcribed by Andrea Stawski Pack]

JOSEPH C. WHEELWRIGHT, OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA; PRIVATE, CO. "C," CORPS OF CADETS.
Joseph Christopher Wheelwright, the third son of Dr. Frederick D. and Maria L. Wheelwright, was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, November 26, 1846.
His father, one of the most public-spirited and honored citizens of the county, embraced with ardor the Confederate cause, at the inception of hostilities being one of the first to volunteer in the 20th Virginia Cavalry, then forming; and * afterwards, at the instance of friends, accepting the appointment of surgeon in the same regiment. His two eldest sons, Thomas and Frederick, inspired by like patriotic enthusiasm, though both under age, volunteered at the same time, and served throughout the war with marked gallantry and efficiency.
Joseph Christopher, then but fourteen years of age, was, with the utmost difficulty, restrained from joining his brothers in the ranks, and, as the war progressed, chafed sorely under this restraint His heart was in the field. His school was a prison to him. But he recognized and accepted the authority and wisdom of his parents in keeping him to his studies and the varied duties of home, which devolved upon him in the absence of his father and elder brothers. He was ever a dutiful and loving son, and a devoted brother, helpful, sympathizing, and industrious; and though study was a task to him, he was ambitious to improve himself, and applied all the powers of his mind to whatever he undertook, never putting a subject aside until he had mastered it thoroughly.
His character, like his appearance, was most engaging. Bright and joyous in aspect and disposition, there was an ingenuousness and modesty in his demeanor, joined to a quiet manliness of bearing, which impressed all, old and young alike, with singular interest and attraction. His impulses were all pure and noble. From childhood remarkable for truthfulness and unselfishness, a striking sincerity and generosity continued to be prominent traits of his nature. He was ever ready to sacrifice himself for the comfort of those around him. With a natural insensibility to fear, he always bore physical pain without complaint.
His courage was tested not only by numberless incidents of his boyhood, but on those. frequent occasions during the war when civilians would be called out to check and repel marauding parties of the enemy. Among other incidents was the following: A vessel had been seized by a band of traitors, with the intent of carrying her out of our waters and delivering her over to the Federals. A small party of citizens, hearing, at the last moment, of their design, determined to frustrate it. In this they succeeded, though many of them were unarmed, while their opponents, much superior in number, were armed to the teeth, and, being in possession of the vessel, resisted from her deck with desperate determination. The attacking party rowed out to her in a small boat, and boarded her under heavy fire from the outlaws, rescuing the vessel from them in a hand-to-hand conflict. Young Wheelwright, against the remonstrances of the senior members of the party, insisted upon sharing in this attempt, and throughout the engagement evinced a coolness under fire, and such courage and daring in scaling the vessel, as contributed greatly to the success of the enterprise, and evoked the unbounded applause of his older companions.
The frequent disturbances in the neighborhood, and the consequent interruption to his studies, together with his eager and unconquerable desire to join the army, decided his parents, finally, to send him to the Virginia Military Institute, where his martial tastes might be indulged under proper training and discipline, and his general education be progressing at the same time under the auspices of that high-toned institution. He was, accordingly, entered as a cadet, in August, 1863. His parents fondly hoped that he, at least, might be kept out of danger, while his brothers were incurring all the risks and chances of war. Vain, alas, the hope! "Man proposes, God disposes." His brothers passed honorably, but unscathed, through the contest, while he, whose safety was thus thought to be secured, was speedily called to lay down his life for his mother State. But a few months had been spent in the walls of this fancied asylum, when the cadets were summoned to the field. Promptly and gladly they responded to the summons. Roused before daybreak, on the nth of May, 1864, by the heart-stirring long roll, quickly they made ready, and, after four days' hard marching in rain and mud, they met the enemy at New Market. General Breckinridge, though outnumbered three to one by Sigel, would have held them in reserve; but it had to be otherwise. The first line broke under the withering fire, right into the gap rushed this gallant band of boys, and with a constancy, steadiness, and valor unsurpassed by veterans, did their part nobly in changing the tide of battle. Victory was theirs; yet
"Sadly, through tears, they tell
How, in their beauty, fell
The martyred seven.
Freed by the battle-thrust,
Rose their bright souls from dust,
Bearing a nation's trust,
Blood-sealed, to heaven."
Among these, the bravest of the brave, young Wheelwright, fell. One of the foremost in a desperate charge, he received the fatal wound.

His comrades bore him from the field. He was carried to Harrisonburg, where he was kindly received in the hospitable home of Dr. Newman, whose family ministered to his comfort with the most tender solicitude. The best medical skill proved unavailing. He sank rapidly under the effects of his wound, and died on the 2d of June, 1864. His attending physician, Dr. Thomas M. Lewis, testified that he bore his sufferings with the most heroic patience, fortitude, and resignation, and that he requested him to inform his father "that he knew he was going to die, and had made preparation for death; that he felt that God had forgiven his past sins, and that he would be saved through the blood of Jesus."
D. C. Wirt.
(Source: Biographical sketches of the Graduates and Eleves of the Virginia Military Institute who fell during the war between the States, by Chas. D. Walker. Published 1875. Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Linda Rodriguez)