The Mother of Washington and Her Times

"The Mother of Washington and Her Times" by Sara Agnes Rice Pryor is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life of Mary Ball Washington, the mother of George Washington, delving into her ancestry, upbringing, and the societal context in which she lived. This account aims to celebrate the oft-overlooked contributions of mothers to the legacies of their famous sons, particularly focusing on Mary Washington's life and character. The opening of the book introduces the premise that while many great men receive ample documentation of their achievements, the women who raised and nurtured them often remain in the shadows. Pryor emphasizes the absence of narratives surrounding the mothers of notable historical figures, lamenting this oversight in American history. She reflects on the importance of acknowledging these women's roles, particularly Mary Washington's, asserting that her influence was fundamental in shaping her son's character. The narrative sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Mary Washington's lineage, her early life in Virginia, and the cultural backdrop against which she raised one of the nation’s founders. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sara Agnes Rice Pryor, born Sara Agnes Rice, was an American writer and community activist in New York City. Born and reared in Virginia, she moved north after the American Civil War with her husband and family to rebuild their life. He was a former politician and Confederate general; together, they became influential in New York society, which included numerous "Confederate carpetbaggers" after the war. After settling in New York, she and her husband renounced the Confederacy.