Martha Dandridge was born on June 21, 1731, on a plantation in New Kent County, Virginia. She was called Patsy because she had three other cousins also named Martha. From the start she loved all animals, even wild ones. She had a pet raccoon called Nosey and a bear cub named Blackie. As a child she was a tomboy, but that may have been because she also had three younger brothers named John, William, and Bart.
She was taught to sew and cook at an early age because her mother thought it was very important to know how to care for a family. Although Martha had little schooling, she had wonderful manners. The people that she grew up with believed in many superstitions, but she decided not to pay any attention to them. Her very calm nature was discovered one day when she got locked in a big gun closet playing hide and seek. Martha never once panicked, even when they couldn't find her because she knew that they eventually would, and they did! She was always a peacemaker and hated violence.
When she passed the age of eight she was allowed to wear high heels.
Martha loved horses and liked to ride, but she was disappointed that she had to ride sidesaddle. All of her life she always wanted a pony, and she finally got one when her father decided that she was old enough. Her pony came on a ship, which was nearly as exciting as Christmas. Since it was so rare they had a feast and shot cannons. Later, her trainer told her that she was a natural rider.
Once, her mother told her that she should always set a good example for the rest of the household by being brave and kind. Her mother also told her that she should treat others the same as herself and always look her best. Because of her mothers kind and thoughtful words, she vowed that she would be just like her mother. After that, she followed her mothers caring instructions.
Martha liked to dance and jig. She went to church faithfully every Sunday with her family. Once, when she was young, she went on a fox hunt with Mr. Custis, whom she later married.