Augustine Washington | Facts, & Death

Summary

Augustine Washington, Sr. (12 November 1694 – 12 April 1743) played a pivotal role in the history of colonial Virginia and is best known as the father of George Washington, the first President of the United States. He belonged to the esteemed Virginia landed gentry and had a multifaceted life as a planter, slaveholder, iron ore miner, and community leader.

Early Life and Family Heritage

Augustine Washington was born on November 12, 1694, in Westmoreland County, Colony of Virginia. He hailed from a lineage deeply rooted in Virginia’s history. His father, Lawrence Washington, was a militia captain and member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, and his mother was Mildred Warner. Augustine’s paternal grandparents were Augustine Warner and Mildred Reade, and he had several paternal uncles and aunts, including William Ball, Priscilla Washington, Richard Washington, and Anne Washington Wright.

12 Interesting Facts about Augustine Washington

Born	12 Nov, 1694 Westmoreland, Virginia
Death	12 Apr, 1743 Stafford County, Virginia
Cause of Death	fell ill
Tomb	George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Spouses	Jane Butler​ ​(m. 1715; died 1729)​ > Mary Ball Washington ​(m. 1731)
Children	Butler > Lawrence > Augustine Jr > Jane > George Washington > Betty > Samuel > John > Charles > Mildred
Parents	Lawrence Washington > Mildred Warner
Founder	Mount Vernon Mansion

Landowner and Plantation Proprietor

Augustine Washington’s journey began with a significant inheritance of approximately 1000 acres on Bridges Creek in Westmoreland County when his father passed away while Augustine was just a four-year-old child. Additionally, his sister Mildred inherited the Little Hunting Creek property, and both siblings received slaves as part of their inheritance.

In 1715, upon reaching adulthood, Augustine married Jane Butler, an heiress who had inherited about 640 acres of land from her father. Together, they settled on the Bridges Creek property. Augustine actively engaged in the Anglican Church and local politics, serving as a justice of the peace for the county court and as a county sheriff.

In 1718, Augustine further expanded his landholdings by purchasing property on Popes Creek and erecting a new residence called Wakefield. During this time, he also acquired the Little Hunting Creek property from his sister Mildred. Augustine and Jane had three children during their marriage, though only two, Lawrence and Augustine Jr., survived to adulthood.

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Ventures in Iron Ore Mining and Second Marriage

Demonstrating his enterprising spirit, Augustine Washington entered into an agreement with England’s Principio Company in 1725 to establish an ironworks venture on Accokeek Creek in Stafford County. Tragically, Jane Butler passed away in 1730. Subsequently, in 1731, Augustine Washington married Mary Ball, and in 1735, the family relocated to the Little Hunting Creek property, closer to the Accokeek Furnace.

Legacy and Family Inheritance

Augustine Washington’s legacy was substantial, considering his relatively short life. His passing in 1743 at the age of 48 led to his son George inheriting the former Strother property, including its enslaved population. Due to George’s young age, his mother, Mary Ball, managed the property until he reached adulthood. Lawrence inherited the Little Hunting Creek property, renaming it Mount Vernon in honor of Admiral Edward Vernon, with whom he had served in the British Navy during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias.

Augustine Jr. inherited the Popes Creek property along with its enslaved workforce. At the time of Augustine Washington Sr.’s passing, he owned a total of 64 slaves who worked across various plantations.

Augustine’s will stipulated that in the event of Lawrence passing away without children, the Little Hunting Creek property would transfer to Augustine Jr., contingent on Augustine Jr. subsequently assigning Popes Creek to George. If Augustine Jr. declined the Little Hunting Creek property, it would pass directly to George, which ultimately transpired.

Conclusion

Augustine Washington, Sr. left an indelible mark on colonial Virginia and paved the way for his son George’s remarkable achievements. As a planter, landowner, iron ore miner, and community leader, his life story reflects the economic and social dynamics of early 18th-century Virginia. His enduring legacy extends beyond his famous son to the historical significance of the properties and resources he managed during his lifetime.

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