Washington was born on February 22, 1732. He lost his father at age 11 and his half brother, Lawrence, took over that role. Washington's mother was protective and demanding, keeping him from joining the British navy as Lawrence wanted. Lawrence owned Mount Vernon, and George lived with him from the age of 16. He was schooled entirely in Colonial Virginia and never went to college. He was good at math which suited his chosen profession of surveying.
Family Ties:
Father: Augustine Washington - a planter who owned over 10,000 acres.
Mother: Mary Ball Washington - orphaned at 12.
Siblings:Two half brothers - Lawrence and Augustine; Three brothers - Samuel, John Augustine, and Charles; One sister - Mrs. Betty Lewis. Lawrence died of Smallpox and Tuberculosis in 1752 leaving Washington with Mount Vernon.
Wife: Martha Dandridge Custis - a widow with two children. They had no children together.
Career Before the Presidency:
In 1749, Washington was appointed as surveyor for Culpepper County, Virginia after a trek for Lord Fairfax into the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was in the military from 1752-8 before being elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1759. He spoke against Britain's policies and became a leader in the Association. From 1774-5 he attended both Continental Congresses. He led the Continental Army from 1775-1783 during the American Revolution. He then became the president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
