Weems, Mason Locke (1759-1825), was an American clergyman who became famous as a writer and traveling bookseller. An Episcopal priest, he was often called “Parson” Weems. He wrote the first popular biography of United States President George Washington, The Life and Memorable Actions of George Washington (about 1800). It includes many tales that Weems apparently invented, notably the one about the young Washington chopping down a cherry tree. Weems also wrote biographies of other leading Americans and several moral tracts. Weems was born on Oct. 11, 1759, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He died on May 23, 1825.
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