Thomas Jefferson: Author of American Independence
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in a modest house in Shadwell, Virginia. His father was Peter Jefferson and his mother was Jane Jefferson. His father was known for having produced one of the eighteenth century's most accurate maps of Virginia. His mother, Jane Jefferson was a member of the Randolph family, whose roots dated back to the earliest colonial settlers in the New World. Peter Jefferson had a strong influence on Thomas Jefferson because he had instilled such a deep love and respect for books and education in him. Also, his father made sure that his son received the best education available to him. Thomas pursued his studies with enthusiasm. He learned Greek, Latin, and French. He also developed a particular fondness for mathematics. Once he hit the age of fourteen, his world was shattered because of the loss of his father.
Jefferson would later say that his father's death left him feeling so alone in the world. His father's death transformed Thomas in an even more substantial way. He inherited thirty-five slaves because since he was a minor, this property was under control of the men who had been appointed as his guardians. Once he reached twenty-one, he became a full-fledged master of slaves, a position he was to remain in until his death. After Jefferson completed his primary and secondary education, he attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He pursued a career in law. It was there when he met a woman by the name of Martha Wayles. They were united by their mutual love of music. The couple married in 1772, Jefferson was twenty-eight and Martha was twenty-three. He brought his bride home to what would become one of the most famous residences...