The portrait used as the basis for this stamp design is a bust by Mrs. L. MacDonald Sleeth. Before marrying George Washington, Martha had been married to Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy Virginia planter who died in 1857. She and Custis had four children. The Washingtons were childless. Known as a gracious, sensible, and warm woman, Martha Washington acted as hostess for her husband, but did not take part in public affairs.