John Parke Custis was an American planter and politician, only son of Martha Washington before her marriage to George Washington. He is now known for his progeny, especially those raised by President Washington.

Martha Parke Custis was the stepdaughter of George Washington who died from an epileptic seizure at the age of 17, fifteen years before he was elected as the first president of the United States. She was the youngest child of Martha Custis, who later became known as Martha Washington, and Daniel Parke Custis, who died one year after she was born. She was called "Patsy" by her family.