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Life of Washington
Anna C. Reed, niece of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, authored this amazing work for the ASSU prior to 1850. Originally translated into over 20 languages within a few years, the book was among the most widely-read biographies of Washington of the time.
The ASSU, now called American Missionary Fellowship (AMF), has been associated with some of America's most prominent citizens and religious leaders. Bushrod Washington, George Washington's nephew and heir of Mount Vernon, who served as Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court, was vice-president of the ASSU until his death in 1829. Included among other ASSU officers or influenced by its mission were Bishop William White of Philadelphia's Christ Church; Francis Scott Key, who wrote "The Star Spangled Banner"; D.L. Moody; Laura Ingalls Wilder; and John Adams (related to both early American presidents), who personally organized over 320 Sunday schools.
ASSU missionaries carried books published by the mission in saddlebags to leave with the fledgling Sunday schools they had started, promoting literacy, education, and the very best in Christian moral values. Though it stopped publishing books in 1968, American Missionary Fellowship continues its missionary work in the United States, extending beyond Sunday school work to include church planting, church camps, and numerous other programs.
299 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 23, 2017
"Life of Washington" by Anna C. Reed
Originally Published in 1842
George Washington led an exemplary life of service to God and his country, from his very boyhood. Raised by godly parents, they instilled in him a sense of honestly and duty, which proved him well in his many roles as son, land surveyor, soldier, husband, General, guardian, land-owner, benefactor, master, state representative, and President of the United States.
Miss Reed tells us about the life of one man, used of the LORD in many diverse ways of many years. Pulling from legends, letters, diary excerpts, personal testimonies, and engaging narration, she paints a picture of the life of George Washington, as well as the events leading to the start of the country that he helped to found.
This book proved both interesting and well-written, often binging the reader back to the Bible with Scriptures and reminders of God’s promises.
I truly enjoyed reading "Life of Washington." It rarely grew dull, and when it did, those sections were short. Much of what I read, I had studied before, but it was good to refresh my memory.
General Washington always has been one of my heroes and this book confirmed that in the best of ways.
Originally Published in 1842
George Washington led an exemplary life of service to God and his country, from his very boyhood. Raised by godly parents, they instilled in him a sense of honestly and duty, which proved him well in his many roles as son, land surveyor, soldier, husband, General, guardian, land-owner, benefactor, master, state representative, and President of the United States.
Miss Reed tells us about the life of one man, used of the LORD in many diverse ways of many years. Pulling from legends, letters, diary excerpts, personal testimonies, and engaging narration, she paints a picture of the life of George Washington, as well as the events leading to the start of the country that he helped to found.
This book proved both interesting and well-written, often binging the reader back to the Bible with Scriptures and reminders of God’s promises.
I truly enjoyed reading "Life of Washington." It rarely grew dull, and when it did, those sections were short. Much of what I read, I had studied before, but it was good to refresh my memory.
General Washington always has been one of my heroes and this book confirmed that in the best of ways.
January 10, 2019
"There is but one straight course, and that is, to seek the truth and pursue it steadily."
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indespensable supports."
"Without an humble imitation of the example of the diving Author of our blessed religion, we cannot hope to be a happy nation."
"Your future character and reputation will depend very much, if not entirely, upon the habits and manners which you contract in the present period of your life. You should therefore be extremely cautious how you put yourself into the way of imbibing those customs which may tend to corrupt your manners, or vitiate your heart." [written to his young, fatherless nephew]
- George Washington
This book is part of a history curriculum I am studying for fun. I appreciated going through it slowly and interacting with worksheet and quiz questions to help the details sink in. Some paragraphs I penned in the final test sum up much of what I appreciated in this book:
What makes a great leader? In the case of George Washington it began with habits formed and cultivated from childhood. He learned to control a hasty temper and instead be careful and thoughtful about his actions and reactions -- taking time to recover from bad news before responding.
From his youth, Washington was an avid learner - working hard to learn even when unable to get the formal education. He was still learning and researching in his last years and looking for ways to help those around him.
General Washington was honest. When false reports were anonymously spread concerning him, he made sure they were made known to his superiors, leaving his well-known past conduct and unchanged present actions to prove his innocence. He could be trusted so fully that his soldiers who were thinking of rebelling when the government couldn't afford to pay (and hardly to feed and clothe) them could be calmed by his gentle and affectionate persuasion and confidence in their obedience to his authority.
Washington cared about his fellow countrymen. He would not set himself above others - only diffidently taking positions of high leadership with a sense of humility and great obligation to those he led and served. He ate the same poor and meager rations as his men during miserable winter encampments. He always cared for the poor and needy through generous donations and even personally on his estate. He even took time to notice and interact with the children who came out to see him pass during his years as President of the USA.
Most importantly, George Washington knew that he was under the authority of his Creator and daily set aside significant times of prayer as well as keeping careful weekly Sabbaths. Much of his strength, wisdom, and dignity came, no doubt, from the time spent on his knees with God. Despite the wish of some people to question the Christian faith of this father of our country, it's outward signs were clearly attested by family, staff, and eye-witnesses all throughout his life.
George Washington was a leader worth following.
"The hand of Providence is so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude to acknowledge his obligations."
"Everyone, who with piety notices the providences of God, can know that our best blessings are often hid beneath our disappointments, as sweet flowers are concealed in bitter buds."
- George Washington
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indespensable supports."
"Without an humble imitation of the example of the diving Author of our blessed religion, we cannot hope to be a happy nation."
"Your future character and reputation will depend very much, if not entirely, upon the habits and manners which you contract in the present period of your life. You should therefore be extremely cautious how you put yourself into the way of imbibing those customs which may tend to corrupt your manners, or vitiate your heart." [written to his young, fatherless nephew]
- George Washington
This book is part of a history curriculum I am studying for fun. I appreciated going through it slowly and interacting with worksheet and quiz questions to help the details sink in. Some paragraphs I penned in the final test sum up much of what I appreciated in this book:
What makes a great leader? In the case of George Washington it began with habits formed and cultivated from childhood. He learned to control a hasty temper and instead be careful and thoughtful about his actions and reactions -- taking time to recover from bad news before responding.
From his youth, Washington was an avid learner - working hard to learn even when unable to get the formal education. He was still learning and researching in his last years and looking for ways to help those around him.
General Washington was honest. When false reports were anonymously spread concerning him, he made sure they were made known to his superiors, leaving his well-known past conduct and unchanged present actions to prove his innocence. He could be trusted so fully that his soldiers who were thinking of rebelling when the government couldn't afford to pay (and hardly to feed and clothe) them could be calmed by his gentle and affectionate persuasion and confidence in their obedience to his authority.
Washington cared about his fellow countrymen. He would not set himself above others - only diffidently taking positions of high leadership with a sense of humility and great obligation to those he led and served. He ate the same poor and meager rations as his men during miserable winter encampments. He always cared for the poor and needy through generous donations and even personally on his estate. He even took time to notice and interact with the children who came out to see him pass during his years as President of the USA.
Most importantly, George Washington knew that he was under the authority of his Creator and daily set aside significant times of prayer as well as keeping careful weekly Sabbaths. Much of his strength, wisdom, and dignity came, no doubt, from the time spent on his knees with God. Despite the wish of some people to question the Christian faith of this father of our country, it's outward signs were clearly attested by family, staff, and eye-witnesses all throughout his life.
George Washington was a leader worth following.
"The hand of Providence is so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude to acknowledge his obligations."
"Everyone, who with piety notices the providences of God, can know that our best blessings are often hid beneath our disappointments, as sweet flowers are concealed in bitter buds."
- George Washington
November 15, 2025
George Washington is a great example for all of what it means to be a Christian who does all for the glory of Christ
August 10, 2010
"Life of Washington" is an interesting biography of George Washington from his birth (1732) to death (1799) that was written in 1842, not long after his death. There were many quotes from Washington's own journals and letters as well as from other people's journals and letters (comments about incidents involving Washington). It was very interesting to see his life based on his own words and those who knew him. The book used formal language, but it was very readable and written in a way that kept my attention. This was also partly because it brought out interesting and often exciting events in his life that I hadn't known about before.
The book spent about 45 pages on his early life (1732-1763), and most of that was new to me. There were about 145 pages on the events leading up to the Revolutionary War and the war itself. A fair amount of that was about the various battles and troop movements, but woven throughout were antidotes about how Washington treated his men, made decisions, and the "behind the (battle) scenes" efforts that he had to engage in. About 52 pages were about the forming of the Constitution and his election as President. Very little was said about what he did as President. The focus was more on how he conducted himself during that time. And about 16 pages were about his retirement, how he almost was called to service again, and his death. At the back of the book, there was a sample of "rules of proper conduct" that Washington had copied out as a child, the text of the Declaration of Independence, and a few other things.
Since the book was written for the American Sunday-School Union, it highlighted Washington's Christian faith and his admirable actions and morals. Since it was written by a niece of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, it's also patriotic (though she doesn't glorify war). There were a few black and white drawings to illustrate the text. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy biographies and who want a unique look into George Washington's life and faith.
This book was a review copy from the publisher.
The book spent about 45 pages on his early life (1732-1763), and most of that was new to me. There were about 145 pages on the events leading up to the Revolutionary War and the war itself. A fair amount of that was about the various battles and troop movements, but woven throughout were antidotes about how Washington treated his men, made decisions, and the "behind the (battle) scenes" efforts that he had to engage in. About 52 pages were about the forming of the Constitution and his election as President. Very little was said about what he did as President. The focus was more on how he conducted himself during that time. And about 16 pages were about his retirement, how he almost was called to service again, and his death. At the back of the book, there was a sample of "rules of proper conduct" that Washington had copied out as a child, the text of the Declaration of Independence, and a few other things.
Since the book was written for the American Sunday-School Union, it highlighted Washington's Christian faith and his admirable actions and morals. Since it was written by a niece of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, it's also patriotic (though she doesn't glorify war). There were a few black and white drawings to illustrate the text. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy biographies and who want a unique look into George Washington's life and faith.
This book was a review copy from the publisher.
May 1, 2012
A detailed biography, Life of Washington by Anna C. Reed, uncovers a deeper, more spiritual side of our first president. Even though originally published in 1842, this book applies the principles of George Washington’s life in a universal, timeless way.
Even before children enter school, they learn about the legendary figure named George Washington. We have all heard the great legends about chopping down a cherry tree and the military campaigns such as the crossing of the Delaware River. So, how can Anna Reed say anything about Washington that has not been said before?
Whereas this biography of Washington does not uncover any deep dark secrets, it does examine Washington from a different perspective. His Christian faith affected the decisions he made during his childhood, his military career, his presidency, and his retirement years. Like the wise man in Proverbs 19:8, Washington prospered from his great faith in the Lord. Through hard times with politics and war or simple family struggles, God remained his helper, leading him through. A focus is given to his understanding of the Bible, his reliance on prayer, and his faith in action.
The author’s rambling style of storytelling makes you feel more like you are sitting down to a good novel rather than a history textbook. Her pages are chocked full of details about Washington’s everyday assignments in wartime and peace.
Perhaps not everyone would be interested in reading such a thorough account of our first president’s life; nevertheless...
See the rest of my review on http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/...
Even before children enter school, they learn about the legendary figure named George Washington. We have all heard the great legends about chopping down a cherry tree and the military campaigns such as the crossing of the Delaware River. So, how can Anna Reed say anything about Washington that has not been said before?
Whereas this biography of Washington does not uncover any deep dark secrets, it does examine Washington from a different perspective. His Christian faith affected the decisions he made during his childhood, his military career, his presidency, and his retirement years. Like the wise man in Proverbs 19:8, Washington prospered from his great faith in the Lord. Through hard times with politics and war or simple family struggles, God remained his helper, leading him through. A focus is given to his understanding of the Bible, his reliance on prayer, and his faith in action.
The author’s rambling style of storytelling makes you feel more like you are sitting down to a good novel rather than a history textbook. Her pages are chocked full of details about Washington’s everyday assignments in wartime and peace.
Perhaps not everyone would be interested in reading such a thorough account of our first president’s life; nevertheless...
See the rest of my review on http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/...
July 3, 2014
Life of Washington. By Anna C. Reed.
Here is 295 pages, including appendixes, of historic biography that is not butchered by modern day secular revisionists. It was originally published in 1842 by the American Sunday School Union and is filled with quotes directly from the very journals of Washington and anecdotes given by eyewitness accounts of events in the life of the father of our nation. If there is one book that gives a true and honest account of the life of Washington, this is it. This volume has tenderness about it even though it is set in very troublesome times. There is often insight as to how the patriotic women of the revolutionary days helped behind the scenes and the relationship between Washington and his revered mother is an aspect of the story that is thoughtfully penned. The story of the treason of Benedict Arnold showed in particular how the providence of God prevented that chapter from being much more harmful to the Colonists than it was at the time. The modern political correct crowd will literally freak out when they read how easy it is to write the truth about the Christian influence in the lives of American founding fathers like General George Washington.
Here is 295 pages, including appendixes, of historic biography that is not butchered by modern day secular revisionists. It was originally published in 1842 by the American Sunday School Union and is filled with quotes directly from the very journals of Washington and anecdotes given by eyewitness accounts of events in the life of the father of our nation. If there is one book that gives a true and honest account of the life of Washington, this is it. This volume has tenderness about it even though it is set in very troublesome times. There is often insight as to how the patriotic women of the revolutionary days helped behind the scenes and the relationship between Washington and his revered mother is an aspect of the story that is thoughtfully penned. The story of the treason of Benedict Arnold showed in particular how the providence of God prevented that chapter from being much more harmful to the Colonists than it was at the time. The modern political correct crowd will literally freak out when they read how easy it is to write the truth about the Christian influence in the lives of American founding fathers like General George Washington.
December 5, 2014
My enjoyment of this book begins with the worn look of the book and pages that gave the feeling of reading a book of antiquity. The writing style, too, gave this sense. I appreciated the account of George Washington's life from contemporaries who could use notes and writings of the time. This account gives what I believe is a more accurate view of the role of faith and belief in God in George Washington's life. He was a main of character and virtue who was quite exceptional. With the grip and influence of secularism in society today, the place of faith has been minimized or erased in the lives of the men and women who loomed large in the beginnings of our nation. This book predates that secularism and gives an unadulterated view. Washington was devout and many accounts give evidence of divine protection over him. He knew the importance of faith in God and that faith had a definite role to play in public life. Excellent read and view into the life of a founder and the importance of faith in God in his life, both public and private.
August 8, 2014
Brilliant read. Obviously this is a history unlike biography in the modern sense of the word, various events are hardly touched on in detail, rather, they are projected in a light of Washington the Pious Founder of our Nation: and that he was. Obviously there is a slant, as this work was commissioned and published by the American Sunday School Union in the early 19th century to teach the truths of Christianity and their influence on Washington. Even still, the fact that this biography is going on two centuries old should be a reason for the historian to dive into this work. Thoroughly enjoyed this biography.
May 25, 2015
A brief but thorough overview of Washington's life written in 1842 by the niece of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. At times the language was difficult to follow since it was written so long ago, but that proved only to slow the pace of the book. There is an interesting story about Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, which I had not read before. There is also a detailed account of Washington's death. I have read many variations of his death, and even after visiting Mt. Vernon, was unsure how it all played out. The facts presented in this book are from the diary of one of his attendants, Tobias Lear.
June 23, 2012
Reading this book is like discovering a time capsule into another era. I was thoroughly inspired by the life of Washington as presented in this brief text, and have taken away a new appreciation for the sufferings and trials of our forefathers. Their resolve and faithfulness is so needed in the world today. I don't think that I will be able to complain about anything in my modern life ever again. I am not exaggerating to say this this book has changed my life for the better. It should be required reading for all young men.
January 12, 2012
This book does not hold an interest as well as other books, and it was required. otherwise i would not have picked it up. if i had had more time to read it, it might have been more interesting. some of what i picked up in my very fast reading was slightly confusing--too much he and not enough names. a read for those who have lots of time.
July 25, 2010
This book probably would have been a interesting book. The language and terminology was from 1842. I just could not seem to get past that.
August 21, 2012
Wonderful portrayal of Washington and his character. I highly recommend to anybody wondering who the real Washington was.
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December 18, 2014Really neat book. Washington was a leader of immense character. We need more leaders like him.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews