Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, April 2, 1743. He was educated at William and Mary College, studied law, and early distinguished himself by his talents and learning. He was a member of the House of Burgesses, and took an active part in the measures of resistance to British oppression.

In 1775 he was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and in 1776 was appointed chairman of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. He prepared that immortal document, which was adopted by Congress on the fourth of July, and to which he affixed his signature.

He continued in Congress until 1779, and was afterward Governor of Virginia. He was Minister to France, Secretary of State under Washington, Vice President under Adams, and President of the United States for two terms. He was a man of profound learning, philosophical mind, and ardent patriotism.

He died July 4, 1826, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Source:
Lossing, Benson J. The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. New York: A.S. Barnes & Co., 1855. Patriot Echoes Archive