Rootseekers press release
Andy Norton was the speaker at the February meeting of the Rootseekers Genealogical Society. His topic was George Washington, which was an ideal topic so close to President’s Day.
He compared George Washington to Cincinnatus, a Roman farmer, dictator, and consul for the legendary period of Roman History. Cincinnatus gained fame as a model of Roman virtue. He was a farmer above all, but when called to serve his country he did so well, efficiently, and without question, even though a prolonged stay away from his farm could mean starvation for his family. When he served his country, he made his stint as dictator as brief as possible. He was admired for his lack of ambition.
George Washington was often compared to Cincinnatus for his willingness to give up his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and decline offers of near-monarchical powers after the crisis of the American Revolution had passed and victory had been won, instead retiring to his farm at Mount Vernon.
Andy Norton is a teacher of American History and Government at the Mabank High School. He is married to Rev. Dana Norton, Pastor at First Methodist Church of Mabank. He has two daughters 9 and 12 years of age.