Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson

Before becoming our third president, Thomas Jefferson accomplished many things. For example, he wrote the Declaration of Independence, founded the University of Virginia, and the was an arranger of the Louisiana Purchase.

Among other things he was true to his country. Thomas Jefferson was born in April 2, 1743 O.S. and grew up on his family's farm in what is now Albermark County, Virginia (Richards, Norman). During his early years he had many ups and downs. At age nine, he went to live with a Scottish clergyman who taught him Latin, Greek, and French (Sadosky, Leonard). Thomas's father Peter Jefferson died when Thomas was fourteen. Therefore, Thomas inherited the estate from his father along with slaves. By the time Thomas was twenty-six he had started one of the major projects in his life, the building of Monticello. Monticello was the home of Thomas, where he retired. He continued to renovate the house throughout his life. When Thomas wife died this is the place where he hung out and continued to live life without all the extra things such as; politics. The house still remains built in Virginia. About three or four years later, Thomas married Martha Wayles Skelton. Their marriage produced six children, but only two survived to adulthood.

During his political career, he did a tremendous job in helping shape this country. He did his best to bring about and expand the United States. When he became president he had the opportunity to acquire the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon in 1803 (The White House). Being a member of the Continental Congress, he was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence. In this document it proclaims that all men are equal in rights, wealth, and or status. He left Congress in 1776, and returned to Virginia and served in the legislature. He was also elected Governor from 1779 to 1781. In 1784, he returned to public service again, in France, first as a trade commissioner and then as Benjamin Franklin's successor as minister.