Jason Cherry of Butler portrays a young George Washington in parades, at schools and at historical events.justin guido/butler eagle

Butler County is filled with a variety of people doing interesting things. This weekly feature offers snapshots of some of them and their interests by asking them five questions. The latest installment appears below.

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George Washington traveled through Butler County back in 1753, but his story is perpetuated by Jason Cherry, a re-enactor with the group known as Capt. William Trent's Company. Cherry, 30, of Butler often portrays the young George Washington in parades, at schools and at historical societies and events. Cherry is observing Presidents Day today by answering these questions:

QUESTION: How did you gain enough insight into George Washington's life to portray him?ANSWER: George Washington wrote thousands of letters and journals from when he was at a young age: from age 16 on. He kept tons and tons of journals. ... I picked it up through (reading) the first-hand accounts.

QUESTION: What was he like?ANSWER: Although early on he had some basic knowledge of overall schooling, George Washington wasn't really educated. He taught himself a lot of things. ... He was definitely determined. He was bold, and from what I've read he had a fiery temper.

QUESTION: How are you like the character you portray?ANSWER: Probably mainly the build. I have about the same frame and build. Washington was considered a giant back then, but he was actually only about 6 foot 2½. I'm actually only 6 foot. I'm similar to his height in the boots I wear.

QUESTION: How are you different?ANSWER: Hair color is one way: Everybody's familiar with George Washington. Look at the dollar bill. He had white hair. ... (But) I usually use and compare to the actual hair color they had at Mt. Vernon. His hair was actually a reddish brown. My hair's a little bit similar to that, but he had much longer hair — especially when he was younger. I've never had long hair like that, so I'll usually wear a wig.

QUESTION: Can you share any little-known facts about him?ANSWER: Believe it or not, as early as age 20, George was starting to have teeth problems. The (false teeth) were not only wood, but (components also included) ivory that was from a hippopotamus. They actually have his restored home in Mt. Vernon. They have a set of his dentures there. They tell how uncomfortable they were to wear. ... They said it was also a reason Washington didn't exactly smile.