These are facts and stories one does not hear about too often because they are personal, and not about national politics. George Washington died a fabulously wealthy man. He was also generous in funding schools and universities. His Last Will and Testament, transcribed at various places, opens this large window into his life -- a life well lived. Here’s an incomplete list of the personal side of the first president at the end of it. He owned a fair number of slaves, but he did not release them, though he “earnestly desired” (his terms) to do so, because many had intermarried with his wife’s slaves, whom she brought into the marriage. (It is a myth that back then a man could control all of his wife’s dower property, whether human, personal or real). If any of his slaves qualified to go free were ill or infirm by reason of age or injury, they were to be well looked after with food and clothing, a kind of retirement system or disability...(Read Full Article)