Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was born in the colony of Virgina. His father, Peter was a planter and a surveyor while his mother was the daughter of a ship’s captain. There were ten children in the immediate Jefferson family and four others were under Peter’s guardianship after the death of a family friend. The paternal guidance of Peter ended when Thomas was only 14, leaving him an inheritance that included thousands of acres, including the homestead called Monticello, as well as additional property represented by slaves. Thomas had years to pass before taking charge of the estate, leaving him with ample time for a substantial education.
The lad had a knack for languages and already had a command of Latin, Greek, and French. He enjoyed the study of history, science and classic literature. This interest would later transfer to a keen regard for neoclassical architecture which was featured at Monticello and later in the construction of Washington, DC. By the time he entered college at age 16, his studies expanded to mathematics, philosophy and music. He played the violin and also enjoyed nature as he went horseback riding in the beautiful Virginia countryside.
Here is a link to my article about the influence of Jefferson in the architecture of Washington,DC.
Aside from managing his estate, Thomas became a lawyer by his 24th birthday. He was an avid collector of books, starting with an inherited library from his father that culminated in a huge selection. In the War of 1812, the early Library of Congress was burned by the British invaders. He felt it his duty to sell his personal library of over 6.000 books to begin a new Library of Congress. He suffered an immense sense of loss after the transaction.
Jefferson was ready to marry before he reached 30 and wed a pretty and sensible 23 year old widow named Martha. They had 6 children in the short decade that they shared in happiness. He enjoyed his violin and she was accomplished pianist. Martha was a charming hostess at her husbands’ many gatherings. Unfortunately, she grew ill and died after her last delivery at a young age of 33.
He kept a promise to her that he would not remarry, but recent forensic studies have revealed that he fathered at least one child and maybe six with his slave, Sally Hemings. The issue of slavery was one that raised contradictions and questions about Jefferson’s position. In political discourses , he was often arguing against the international slave trade and made efforts to limit the expansion of slavery into his ” Louisiana Purchase.” However he was born into the ownership of hundreds of slaves who regarded their master as more humane and considerate than most. He was against excessive punishments. There were many skilled laborers that worked on his estate and he saw himself as a father figure to an extended family.
Jefferson felt a moral obligation to keep his population of property well clothed and fed. They lived in good log cabins and he was mindful of preserving family units, although slaves could not legally marry at that time. When Jefferson died after a long and illustrious career, which will be further discussed in my next article, Jefferson’s will freed some, but not all of his slaves. Thomas Jefferson is remembered for his legacy as a founding father of the country and an important contributor to the Revolution , the Declaration of Independence, and the drafting of the Constitution with it’s Bill of Rights. Many historians have noted the discrepancies of Jefferson’s assertions regarding the equal rights of humanity while continuing the practice of slavery which was a fact of his private life, even during his long, public career.
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