Could he tell a lie? 5 facts about George Washington

Key takeaways

• George Washington reportedly couldn't tell a lie, but can you tell fact from fiction about this president?
• Washington was more soft-spoken and less truthful than you might expect.
• Read on for facts about his life, decisions, offspring — or lack thereof — and death.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday this year, award-winning author Stephen Yoch's research has revealed several interesting facts about President George Washington.

1. Washington was strong in stature, weak in voice

There are many well-known paintings of Washington. The museum at Mount Vernon displays a painstakingly accurate facial reconstruction to definitively show his appearance during his lifetime. He was quite tall at 6 foot 3 inches (which makes him equivalent to 6 foot 9 inches today), but he lacked the commanding voice one might expect from a military leader.

"We all imagine Washington as a strapping guy who had a voice to match," said Yoch. "But Washington suffered from pleurisy — a viral infection that causes an inflammation in the lining of the lungs — as a child and because of this he spoke in a high, weak and breathy voice."

Washington's contemporaries often described him as soft-spoken. Yoch says this undoubtedly came from this high voice and his teeth, which gave him the habit of keeping his mouth closed to hide their appearance and the bad breath that comes with tooth decay.

As is often the case with past presidents, Washington would have struggled in the modern era. "Certainly his dental problems could be corrected," said Yoch, "but his quiet demeanor and high voice would not have played well in our modern 24/7 news cycle."

2. Is it a fact that Washington couldn't tell a lie?

One of the great legends of the nation's first president was created by biographer Parson Weems. In his account, George Washington chops down a cherry tree and later admits the act to his father, claiming he "cannot tell a lie." According to author Stephen Yoch, not only is this story made up, but it's also in direct contrast to young Washington's behavior.

Yoch says there's a pattern throughout Washington's life of claiming victory but blaming others for defeat. "It's difficult for many people to accept this reality given the legend concocted by Parson Weems relating to the Cherry Tree," says Yoch. "But the truth that Washington lied and blamed others for his own failure is irrefutable. His lies and willingness to blame others moved his military career forward."

3. Washington's worst decision nearly spelled disaster for the Revolution

George Washington was indispensable in the Revolution. Without him, the army may not have achieved victory. His willingness to repeatedly give up power — including the return of his commission to Congress and later stepping down as President — makes him one of the most laudable figures in world history.

Yet, Washington made a catastrophic blunder, appointing Benedict Arnold as the commander of American forces in Philadelphia. Arnold was placed in charge of a city locked in turmoil and led by radicals that opposed the Continental Army. This act, as much as any other, could have meant the failure of the Revolution and Washington's death, if not for Washington's luck.

Washington would say "the hand of providence" saved him from his worst mistake and Arnold's plot was foiled.

4. The father of our country had no children of his own

By the time the Revolution ended, the "father of our country" was father to no one. In a draft of Washington's first inaugural address, he wrote: "Divine providence hath not seen fit that my blood should be transmitted, or my name perpetuated by the enduring, though sometimes seducing, channel of immediate offspring. I have no child for whom I could wish to make a provision — no family to build in greatness upon my country's ruins."

As Yoch notes, "This may have been a fortunate happenstance, as many called for him to be America's new king. His lack of children allowed him to truly act in the country's best interests and sealed his legacy as 'first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'"

5. Did Washington die peacefully?

After a life of action and harrowing battles, George Washington died peacefully in his bed at Mount Vernon. Or so many school children are taught. In reality, the nation's first president died a slow and bloody death that was far from a pleasant end of life.

Yoch says the founding father was a lifelong believer in "bleeding" (removing blood) as a medical treatment to balance body humors. "Because of this, Washington and his physicians virtually guaranteed his death by excessive bleeding," explained Yoch.

For more information on George Washington's life as well as the life of other historical figures like Benedict Arnold, visit Yoch.com.

Historical fiction writer Stephen Yoch is based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is the author of "Becoming George Washington" and "Becoming Benedict Arnold."