Mason and Washington as Fathers
The manner in which Mason and Washington were raised shaped who they were as leaders. Lori Glover explores how the domestic lives of Founding Fathers shaped their political careers in her book Founders as Fathers. The book examines George Mason and George Washington in terms of certain patriarchal levels. Specifically, Glover studies how certain factors shaped their beliefs as leaders—such as their connection to slavery. Glover crafts an interesting analysis where she examines how the founding fathers’ beliefs may have shaped America’s ideals at the time. The most influential individuals at the time had power in determining societal rules. For example, the founding fathers supported slavery. Specifically, “at Gunston Hall, the household slaves’ quarters were, according to John Mason, ‘skirted by wood, just far enough within which, to be out of sight” (185). The actions of the founding fathers showed although they knew how wrong slavery was, they still wanted to continue using slaves. Hiding the slaves represents an element of shame in an action they knew was wrong. Another determining aspect that Glover points out is the beginnings of the founding fathers' lives at home. There were two factors that allowed George Washington to have greater social status than George Mason—his lesser responsibilities at home and the wealth he and Martha shared. George Washington married a rich widow, Martha Dandridge Custis. Martha was “one of the richest women in Virginia” (14). They both were past the age to have children together, however, Martha did have her own children from her first marriage. Because Martha and George did not have children together, George could focus less on domestic responsibilities and more on being a father to the nation. In comparison, the Mason family focused on securing land and enjoying the associated benefits. George Mason wrote to Washington, saying “sit down at his Ease under the Shade of his own Vine, & his own fig-tree & enjoy the Sweets of Domestic Life!” (10). The Mason family focused on turning their economic success into political power. Their fate relied on “acquiring [land], policing it, and producing lucrative commodities on it” (11). Washington and Mason both came about their political power through their economic successes, as they both focused on gaining land. George received inherited from his half-brother and his wife, Lawrence, and Anne (13). Washington had only gained a modest education at first. While Mason was born into wealth, Washington worked hard and slowly chipped away at building his wealth.