George Washington, born at Pope’s Creek, near Bridge’s Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia, on the 22d of February, 1732, was the son of Augustine Washington and his second wife Mary Ball. His earliest known ancestor in this country was John Washington, who came to Virginia from England in 1657. Augustine Washington died when George was but twelve years of age, leaving to his widow the care of five children and a large property. George’s education was such as was afforded by the local schools, but included surveying,--an important branch at that time. Ever thoughtful of the feelings of others, at the age of thirteen he formulated for his own guidance a set of one hundred and ten “rules of civility and decent behavior in company and conversation.” The next year his half-brother Lawrence obtained a midshipman’s warrant for him, which he was most anxious to accept, but gave up because of his mother’s opposition. At the age of sixteen he was absent from home for several weeks, while surveying for Lord Fairfax. Delighting in military exercises and outdoor sports, he grew tall, strong, and well proportioned, and at nineteen was chosen adjutant-general with the rank of major, to inspect and exercise the militia of his district. The same year he accompanied Lawrence on a trip to Barbadoes, the doctor having recommended change of climate for the improvement of the latter’s health. Having kept a journal of his surveying trip in 1748, he resumed the record of his life with great minuteness during this his only sea voyage. Returning after four months, he soon after received the sad intelligence of Lawrence’s death, and found himself, young as he was, one of his brother’s executors and the guardian of his only child. Neither the widow nor the orphan long survived; and upon their demise, Mount Vernon passed to George. At this time he joined the Masons. The records of the Fredericksburg Lodge show the presence of Washington for the first time “on the 4th of November, 1752.” “November 6, 1752, received of Mr. George Washington for his entrance £2 3_s._” “March 3, 1753, George Washington passed Fellow Craft.” “August 4, 1753, George Washington raised Master Mason.”