Harriet (Washington) Parks (1776 - 1822)

Born 2 Aug 1776 in Harewood, Jefferson, Virginia, United States

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 3 Jan 1822 at age 45 in Salines, Kanawha, Virginia, United States

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Biography

President Washington, offering his congratulations and suggestions for "a prudent deportment" towards her husband, including "the accomodation of your views to his circumstances." Also advocating frugality, he adds "always keep the old adage in remembrance - 'Take your measure according to your cloth' and do not... endulge yourself either in dress, or mode of living that will be productive of embarrassmen[t]." He concludes by noting the amount of company present at Mount Vernon and their best wishes for her marriage. Harriot Washington Parks (1776-1822) was the daughter of George Washington's brother Samuel Washington (1734-1781). Until her marriage to Andrew Parks of Baltimore in 1796, she remained dependent on the Washingtons for support.

To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 17 July 1796

Mill Brook July 17-96

Aunt Lewis received a letter from my dear & Honored Uncle a few days ago wherein he was pleased to send me thirty pound also a great deal of good advice which I am extremely obliged to you for and intend adhering most strictly to it.

Believe me, my dear Uncle, my heart will ever with the liveliest gratitude most gratefully acknowledge and remember yours and Aunt Washington's great goodness and attention to me and if my Uncle will only answer my letter and say he is not offended at my Union (which took place yesterday, Aunt Lewis's going immediately to Berkley to stay untill the fall &: finding it not convenient to carry me with her wished us married before she went), I shall be happy for after my dear Uncle's protection & kindness towards me I should be a most miserable being to reflect that I had displeas'd my greatest friend.

I shall take the liberty of troubleing my Uncle to return my thanks to Aunt Washington for the earings she sent me from Philadelphia which I received but a week ago from Berkley. Aunt Lewis is much mended 8c intends answering your letter by the next post. Aunt Lewis joins me in love to you and Aunt Washington.

I am my dear and Honor'd Uncle Your affectionate neice Harriot Parks

http://www.bauer.uh.edu/parks/genealogy/Parks_lineage_Key_Z_ev_LQ_tz.htm

Parents of Harriot

Samuel Washington Anne Steptoe

Sources

• http://www.americanhistory.amdigital.co.uk/Documents/Details/George-Washington-to-Harriot-Washington-Parks--his-niece--with-congratulations-and-advice-on-her/GLC02793.005
• Pioneers and their Homes on the Upper Kanawha, by Ruth Woods Dayton, West Virginia Publishing Company, Charleston, West Virginia, 1947
• See also: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LVH7-P5S