A Granddaughter’s Grief: Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis and George Washington by Elizabeth Reese

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis (Mrs. Lawrence Lewis), 1804, by Gilbert Stuart. (Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington/ The Journal of the American Revolution)

Nelly was raised in an environment where she was denied very little. The product of upper-class Virginia gentry and the influence of Washington’s status, her life was comfortable and privileged. She was accustomed to not only wealth, but the relationship of two parent figures who had a mutual love and respect for each other. Devoid of both wealth and affection, Nelly was forced to reconcile with the fact that the comforts of her childhood could not be replicated in her marriage.

The Journal of the American Revolution has published a biography of Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, the granddaughter of George Washington, by Elizabeth Reese that I think personalizes the Washington family and brings their story to life. George Washington is an icon in America, which causes us to think of him as some sort of superhuman and his family members as perfect. So, it is refreshing to find this snapshot of their lives that is written with honesty and presents the truth with love and compassion.

Please enjoy! The article can be found here: A Granddaughter’s Grief: Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis and George Washington - Journal of the American Revolution.

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Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank You for preserving our history and bringing to life the Founding Fathers and their families through talented authors. I also thank you for our rich history and the noble men and women who gave so much for preserving freedom for their posterity.

In Lord Jesus Name, amen

Mercy Adams

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