Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, on the 2d of April, 1743. He was educated at William and Mary College, and studied law under George Wythe. He early displayed a fondness for literature and science, and was distinguished for his attainments in both.

He was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, and took an active part in the measures adopted by that body to resist the encroachments of the British government. He was a member of the Continental Congress, and was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence. This immortal document was written by him, and is the noblest monument of his genius.

He was afterward elected Governor of Virginia, and rendered important services to the cause of independence. He was sent as minister to France, and upon his return was appointed Secretary of State by President Washington. He was elected Vice-President in 1796, and in 1800 was chosen President of the United States.

He served two terms, and declined a re-election. His administration was marked by the purchase of Louisiana, and by the successful resistance to the encroachments of foreign powers. He retired to his estate at Monticello, and devoted the remainder of his life to literary and scientific pursuits.

He founded the University of Virginia, and took an active part in its organization. He died on the 4th of July, 1826, just fifty years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. His death occurred on the same day as that of John Adams.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive