William Washington - Before The War

Before The War

Born in Stafford County, Virginia, he was the second son of Bailey Washington and Catherine (née Storke) Washington (primary source evidence, including correspondence between George Washington and William, establishes the fact that they were second cousins). William and his older brother, Henry, are said to have drawn straws to see who would get to join the Continental Army and who would stay home and manage the family plantations. William won. William Washington (not to be confused with William Augustine Washington of Westmoreland County, Virginia) was raised with a Southern planter upbringing and believed in the values of being a gentleman. He was tutored by Reverend Mr. Stuart who was a clergy from Virginia. William Washington learned the Greek language and studied several areas of theology for a potential career in the church. Instead of a career in the ministry he laid aside the Bible and took up arms against the British Government during the Revolutionary War.