Thomas Jefferson 1743 – 1826

 Born into wealthy VA family – father died when Thomas was 14 – he became master of 5,000 acre plantation.  Studied 15 hours a day to be a lawyer.  Outspoken supporter of American rights in VA House of Burgesses.  Chosen by Second Continental Congress to help write “The Declaration of Independence.” Served with John Adams (Mass.), Roger Sherman (Conn.), Robert Livingstone (NY), and Ben Franklin (PA). Jefferson wrote the final draft in 17 days in a small room in Philadelphia.

 Disappointed when Congress took out large portions of document – any that criticized the English people and any that made a statement against slavery.  Gov. of VA during Revolutionary War – minister to France – Sec. of State under Washington – Vice-president and then third president from  Founded and built University of VA.  Helped to create public school system and the decimal system of money we use.  Designed and built his home, Monticello, which included a dumb waiter.

 Added 82,000 square miles (13 states) to the U.S. by buying back the land claimed by de Lasalle. Now known as the Louisiana Purchase.  His collection of over 10,000 books was sold to Congress and became the basis for the Library of Congress.  Wife Martha died in Jefferson wanted to live long enough to celebrate the 50 th birthday of the Declaration.

 July 4, 1826 – John Adams (90 yrs. old) and Jefferson (83 yrs. old) are gravely ill. When Adams died in the early afternoon, his last words were, “Thomas Jefferson still survives.” Unfortunately, Jefferson had passed away several hours earlier.  Jefferson is buried at Monticello.