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Thomas Jefferson (born April 13, 1743) was a Renaissance man in American history. You could say he wore many different hats – as a statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and of course, one of the Founding Fathers.
He served as the prestigious third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809 and is best remembered as the brains behind the Declaration of Independence.
But Thomas Jefferson’s impact extended far beyond his presidency. He is a multifaceted figure and has left his mark in many different fields. Jefferson was a force to be reckoned with, whether it was his knack for diplomacy, his legal expertise, his architectural flair, or his philosophical insights.
Let us remember his pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that still resonates throughout American history and embodies the essence of the nation’s values and principles.
3rd President of the United States
Thomas Jefferson | |
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Thomas Jefferson: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Info & About Data | |
First and last name: | Thomas Jefferson |
Born: | April 13, 1743 (83 years old) |
Place of birth: | Shadwell, Virginia, USA |
Die: | July 4, 1826 (83 years old), Monticello, Virginia, USA |
Nationality: | American |
Education: | College of William & Mary |
Height: | 1.67 m |
Parents: | Peter Jefferson, Jane Randolph Jefferson |
Siblings: | Peter Field Jefferson, Elizabeth Jefferson, Anna Scott Jefferson Marks, Lucy Jefferson Lewis, Martha Jefferson Carr, Mary Jefferson Bolling, Peter Thomas Jefferson, Randolph Jefferson, Jane Jefferson |
Couple: | Martha Jefferson (m. 1772–1782) |
Girlfriend • Partner: | do not apply |
Children: | Martha Jefferson Randolph, Madison Hemings, Harriet Hemings, Eston Hemings, Beverly Hemings, Mary Jefferson Eppes, Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson, Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson I, Jane Jefferson |
Job: | Politician • Lawyer |
Net value: | 284 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Thomas Jefferson, a famous politician, was born on April 13, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia, USA.
He was the third of ten children of his parents, Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph Jefferson. He grew up with nine siblings, Peter Field Jefferson, Elizabeth Jefferson, Anna Scott Jefferson Marks, Lucy Jefferson Lewis, Martha Jefferson Carr, Mary Jefferson Bolling, Peter Thomas Jefferson, Randolph Jefferson and Jane Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson’s educational journey began College of William & Mary on March 25, 1760, at the age of 16. Before that, he had the privilege of studying with private tutors at home and attending schools run by Anglican clergy. By the time he arrived in Williamsburg, young Jefferson was well-versed in the classics and had a talent for reading Greek and Latin authors in their original languages, a passion he pursued throughout his life.
In William & Mary, Jefferson found himself immersed in a vibrant academic community. Besides the philosophy school where he studied, the school also offered a grammar school for young boys, a theological school for those preparing for church ministry, and even a school for young men. Indians focused on educating and Christianizing young Native American men.
Career
Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s revered Founding Fathers, served in many roles in early government. He started out as the nation’s first Secretary of State under President George Washington, then became the second Vice President under John Adams.
In 1801, he won the presidency, earning him the title of 3rd President of the United States, a job he rocked for two consecutive terms until 1809. Besides the political hustle of Jefferson also participated in shaping America’s foreign affairs, especially during his working time. as U.S. Secretary to France, where he played a key role in strengthening the friendship between the two nations during a critical period.
Now, despite Thomas Jefferson’s impressive resume and contribution to nation-building, let’s not gloss over his flaws. Yes, he was a slave owner, and he did not shy away from some rather prejudiced views, which contradicted his whole view of freedom and equality.
Additionally, his record with Native Americans has not been stellar, suggesting a bit of a blind spot when it comes to their rights and sovereignty. So while we tip our hats to his achievements, it’s only fair to acknowledge and learn from the not-so-stellar parts of his story.
Personal life
Thomas Jefferson’s first marriage to Martha Jefferson was a happy one, but sadly, she died at a young age in 1781. Although there has been much speculation about other romantic relationships in Jefferson’s life, no Is there any officially confirmed relationship?
Despite this, Jefferson remained devoted to his family and had six children with Martha: Martha Jefferson Randolph, Madison Hemings, Harriet Hemings, Eston Hemings, Beverly Hemings, Mary Jefferson Eppes, Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson, Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson I and Jane Jefferson . However, only four survived to adulthood.
Net value
Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was one of the wealthiest presidents in history. His net worth, which came largely from land ownership and slave ownership, peaked at about $284 million at today’s prices.
Despite his wealth, Jefferson was a strong advocate for democracy and equality for all, and even struggled with debt for the rest of his life due to financial mismanagement.