[SUBMITTED PHOTO]This mezzotint engraving is from the mid 1800s John Sartain Union Magazine of Literature and Art. The print shows President George Washington and his family. From left to right are George Washington Parke Custis, General George Washington, Eleanor Parke Custis, Martha Custis Washington and William Lee. With a household to take care of, Colonial women were referred to as “deputy husband” while their spouses were fighting in the Patriot army. Bill and Pat Simmons of Fincastle donated this framed artifact to the Botetourt County Historical Museum in October of 2000. It was purchased at the estate sale of Arena Richardson Preston by Pat’s parents, Hunter and Viola Painter, and was displayed in their home.
