Martha Washington and Her First Father-in-law
John Custis IV Attempts to Block His Son's Marriage
Martha Dandridge and Daniel Parke Custis loved each other, even though Daniel was much older than she was. Daniel desired her hand in marriage. His father, one of the wealthiest, if not the wealthiest tobacco plantation owner in Virginia, was dead set against his son's choice for a wife.
Though the Dandridge family could not equal the status of wealth that the Custis family could boast, they were respectable within the community. They owned a fair amount of acreage and slaves (considered property or chattel).
John Custis IV's Character
John Custis loved money, and he was severely paranoid concerning eligible, single women desiring his son for the family's money. He not only built his own fortune, but at the death of his wife, Frances, he had inherited her fortune, as well.
John's relationship with his wife, Frances, bcame bitter over time. Though he passionately pursued Frances before marriage, his affections plummeted to freeze zone after the marriage ceremony. Frances had a bitter side to her personality, as well.
The following excerpt is a glance into their relationship:
While driving their horse and carriage, John veered off the road and drove into Chesapeake Bay.
Where are you going, Mr. Custis? Frances asked.
Straight to hell, Madam.
Drive on, Mr. Custis, any life would be better than this. She retorted.
Some of the family's financial holdings were tied up in law suits at home and in England. There were illegitimate children popping up in several locations claiming inheritance, due to a different Daniel Parke Custis, Frances' father. John feared financial ruin.
Since a woman's property at that time period became her husband's property after marriage, it logically followed that, in John's eyes, Martha did not possess substantial enough financial security. He vowed to disinherit his son, should the marriage take place.
John Custis IV and Mulatto Jack
It was not uncommon for the white owners of their plantations to have sexual affairs with their female, Black or Indian slaves. John Custis was no exception. He apparently sired a child named John, nicknamed, Jack. John threatened to leave everything he owned to Jack, and free the boy, if Daniel married Martha.
Daniel had no doubts of disinheritance, since his father had already disinherited his daughter, Fanny, for marrying unapproved spouses (she married twice). The clock ticked.
Daniel Park Custis and Martha Dandridge
Daniel and Martha courted in secrecy. Despite John Custis' threats and public, verbal insults against Martha and her family, the courtship continued. Though Daniel became afraid of his father, Martha was not intimidated by him.
Two of Daniel's friends offered to speak to Daniel's father on the couples' behalf. The first friend, John Blair, arranged to spend the evening with John Custis. His advocacy attempt failed miserably.
Thomas Lee enjoyed succes, though it cost him several articles of equestrian gear, including a horse. Martha, in a timely fashion, had also given a speech of her own, however, the content of it is unkown.
Marriage of Martha Dandridge and Daniel Parke Custis
Martha and Daniel were finally married in May, possibly 1749. The exact year is speculated. Their marriage was friendly and generally happy. However, it was cut short when Daniel died perhaps of heart failure at the age of 45, July, 1758.
Source
Helen Bryan, First Lady of Liberty Martha Washington, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY., New York, 2002, pgs. 38-73.
Martha Custis
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Tobacco Plantation 1620's
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