Today is the birthday of the very first President of the United States, George Washington. Life, for the early colonists, was very different than life today. Writing was done with a quill pen dipped in ink and the light, this early in the morning, was from a sputtering tallow candle. Breakfast, as well as dinner and supper, was homegrown and cooked in the fireplace. Fuel was the wood cut from trees. Life was harsh even for the wealthy people but much harsher for those with little status or money.
George Washington was born into an affluent family but even with the benefits of wealth, life was hard and often it was short. Mr. Washington, born in 1732, passed away from a throat infection in 1799. During his lifetime, he was a surveyor and a farmer, interested in crop rotation and the best methods of having fertile fields and healthy livestock. He possessed great courage and integrity and was a gifted leader of men.
His military skills led this fledgling nation to victory in the Revolutionary War. He was so respected and admired that he was elected the first President of the United States of America. It is with great gratitude that I say, Happy Birthday, Mr. Washington.
Thanks for the info on our first president, George Washington. Yes, things were really rough in those days. These days it feels like a trial if our electricity goes off for a bit or the Internet goes out. Good to remember we have it so much better!
Yes, we do have things a lot better. Even the affluent, like the Washingtons, wouldn’t have had an inkling about the luxuries we take for granted today.