George Washington was the son of a second wife - he had an older half brother who got their father's property. So George was sent out in his teens to learn the art of survey....that is why you will find he had land all over the place. He often got part of his pay in land. He very much wanted to be an English gentleman in his early years, wanted to be in the British Army. When he was sent out with Braddock....I think George pretty much began the French and Indian War on his own. After that disgrace, he went back to being a planter for many years. Is it true GW is the one who 'invented' mules? He did not get Mount Vernon till after his half brother died, and then his niece. When he got it, the house was much smaller than today. He then went out and found the richest widow in Virginia and married her. He needed money to improve Mount Vernon. When the unrest began ... George was kind of silent. He was there, and people asked his opinion, but he did not talk much. (his wooden teeth?) He did do something very human....and it shows he was like most of us with dreams....he arrived at the meeting in his uniform. The only one dressed that way. Thus he was showing he had military experience and wanted to be in charge of the Army - so he was chosen. I would think up to that time, no children were named after him outside his own family. After the Rev War, I am sure many of his soldiers named sons George Washington. Mary