Thomas
Jefferson (1735-1826) 3rd
President of the United States (1801-1809) |
|
Thomas
Jefferson was born April 13, 1743
in Albemarle County, Virginia. When he was 14, he
inherited his father's estate and slaves. Soon after,
Jefferson attended the College of William and Mary
where he studied mathematics, metaphysics, and philosophy.
In 1767, Jefferson was admitted to the Virginia
Bar and practiced law. Jefferson remained influential
at the College of William and Mary throughout his
life, and helped institute the nation's first student
honor code.
In
1769, when was just 26, Jefferson was elected to
the Virginia House of Representatives. In 1772,
Jefferson began building his home, Monticello. That
same year, he married Martha Wayles Shelton. The
couple would eventually have six children.
As
a member of the second Continental Congress, Jefferson
drafted the Declaration of Independence. In 1779,
he was elected as governor of Virginia. Although
he resigned in 1781, during his term as governor,
Jefferson wrote the famous statute on religious
freedom. Jefferson's writings also formed the basis
of the Ordinances of 1784, 1785, and 1787. From
1785-1789, Jefferson served as minister to France.
In 1789, George Washington appointed him Secretary
of State.
Due
to political differences concerning the role of
the government with other cabinet members, Jefferson
resigned as Secretary of State in 1793. After serving
in Washington's cabinet, Jefferson and James Madison
founded the Democratic-Republican Party. Jefferson
soon ran for president, but was defeated in 1796
by John Adams. Nevertheless, he was appointed vice
president. Although Jefferson and Aaron Burr received
equal electoral votes for presidency, Jefferson
was elected president by the House of Representatives
in 1800. During Jefferson's term, both the Louisiana
Purchase and the Lewis
and Clark Expedition occurred. Jefferson served
two presidential terms. He later established the
University of Virginia. He died on July 4, 1826,
the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Coincidentally, John Adams died the same day.
Thomas
Jefferson is remembered as one of the most brilliant
men to ever inhabit the White House, whose views
on individual freedom, religion, and education still
influence today. In fact, the establishment of the
University of Virginia reflected Jefferson's views
about the role of religion in education - it was
the first university in America to be centered around
a library rather than a church. Jefferson believed
in the strict separation of church and state (national
affairs, including education should not be influenced
by a dominant religion). Jefferson was also an accomplished
surveyor, author, architect, and agriculturalist.
Today,
monuments, buildings, cities, counties, corporations,
and monuments bear Jefferson's name. He is honored
on the United States two dollar bill and nickel.
