Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson
1743–1826

Quotes “All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man.” “Enlighten the people, generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like spirits at the dawn of day.” “Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” “I cannot live without books.”

Background Born at Shadwell, in what later became known as Albemarle County, Virginia Learned Latin and Greek from a local schoolmaster whom he boarded with until he enrolled at the College of William and Mary in 1760 Admitted to the bar in 1767. He was a successful lawyer, he left the profession at the onset of the American Revolution and never returned to practicing law.

Professional History Beginning in 1769 he served as a legislator in the House of Burgesses for seven years It was as a member of the House that Jefferson became involved in the American independence movement June 1775, he joined the Second Continental Congress. The following year, he was named the head of a committee with the task of drafting a Declaration of Independence 1779 he was elected governor of Virginia. When the Virginia government was relocated from Richmond to Charlottesville after an invasion by the British, Jefferson had to flee from his own home in Monticello to evade British forces

Professional Background Cont. 1784, following a short stint in Congress, he traveled to Paris to enlist the support of the French for future commerce with America He remained in France for five years, becoming acquainted with French culture, arts, sciences, and architecture Upon his return to the United States, President George Washington convinced him to accept the post of secretary of state in the new government 1797, he was the Republican candidate for the presidency. John Adams won the vote, and Jefferson became the vice-president

Background 1800, he was elected to the presidency. Due to a tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr, the final election was the result of a vote in the House of Representatives. Jefferson was reelected to the presidency in 1804 After leaving the presidency, foremost in his mind was the creation of an educational institution The University of Virginia, Jefferson’s pet project, opened 16 months before his death in 1826. He spent much of his life trying to avoid being swallowed by debt, in part a result of the lavish lifestyle he led. Following his death, his Monticello estate was auctioned to pay off his debts.

Influences Jefferson’s ideas were influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, including the works of English philosopher John Locke and French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Other Works Notes on the State of Virginia A Summary View of the Rights of British America

Points of Interest He fathered at least one child with Sally Hemings, a slave in the Jefferson household at Monticello. He served as president of the American Philosophical Society, the nation’s most important science association, for 18 years. In 1815 he sold his 6,487-volume library of books to Congress The collection served as the basis for the Library of Congress. He was known to be fairly shy and quiet. As president, he preferred to deliver his speeches in writing rather than speak them aloud in public.

Thomas Jefferson