1802 Martha Washington

The obituary for First Lady Martha Washington May 22, 1802 as published by The Washington Federalist Newspaper. Her husband, George Washington had passed away three years earlier in 1799. While she and George did not have any children of their own, Martha had been married before to Daniel Parker Custis (m. 1750-1757). They had four children: John, Martha, Frances, and Daniel. Her eldest son had died in 1781 at age 26, leaving behind four children, Martha's grandchildren. Martha, her daughter, had passed away back in 1773 from an epileptic seizure at age 17. Her daughter Frances had died as a toddler at the age of three. And, her fourth child, Daniel had died as a baby, aged two. So none of her children had survived her. However, all four of her grandchildren had survived.

Her obituary, June 3, 1802:

   June 3, 1802 - “DIED, At Mount Vernon, on the 22^d May, ult. Mrs. Martha Washington, widow of the late General George Washington. Composure and resignation were uniformly displayed during seventeen days depredations of a severe fever. From the commencement the declared she was undergoing the last trial and had long been prepared for her dissolution. She took the sacrament from Mr. Davis, imparted her last advice and benedictions to her weeping relations, and sent for a white gown, when she had previously laid by for her last dress. Thus, in the closing scene, as in all preceding ones, nothing was omitted. The conjugal maternal and domestic duties had all been fulfilled in an exemplary manner. She was the worthy partner of the worthiest of men, and those who witnessed their conduct could not determine which excelled in their different characters, both were so well sustained on every occasion. They lived an honor and a pattern to their country and are taken from us to receive the rewards, promised to the faithful and just.” ~ Washington Federalist

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Martha Washington: An American Life