Secrets & Scandals Of America’s First Ladies

The Last Laugh

The Williamsburg mansion had been John’s main residence and housed the remainder of his father’s valuable possessions. She auctioned off everything except for his priceless collection of hand-blown wineglasses. Those she decided to smash in a spectacular act of vengeance. It looks like Martha had the last laugh after all the harassing she endured from her father-in-law. Widowed at the age of 25 after the death of her first husband, Martha became very wealthy and had independent control over a dower inheritance for her lifetime and trustee control over the inheritance of her minor children. In addition to investments and cash, Martha inherited 17,500 acres of land and 300 slaves.