Biography Thomas Jefferson

Third President of United States, a writer, well known personality in the field of education who established University of Virginia, historian, philosopher and a social activist, Thomas Jefferson was in true manner a multidimensional personality. He was born on April 13, 1743, at Shadwell, Virginia to Peter Jefferson who was a successful planter, surveyor and a landowner and Jane Randolph (who was from one of the high profile families in Virginia).

Thomas spent his childhood in a good comfort as his father was in a good financial condition. After his schooling in 1760, Thomas enrolled his name in the College of William and Mary from where he graduated in 1762, after which he studied law. During this time he practiced law and served at the post of Magistrate in the local government, he was also selected as County Lieutenant.

When Thomas was 26 (in 1769), he took on a service as a representative in the Virginia House of Burgesses and also started building a mansion 'Monticello' on the estate, which he had inherited from his father. In 1772 he married Martha Wayles Skelton and they lived together in ‘Monticello’ till Martha's death. Along with practicing law, Thomas also looked after his father's plantation estates. He had almost 200 slaves under him and had estates at Virginia and Albemarle County.

Thomas was a very good writer, and as he was practicing law, he wrote political pamphlets and articles. The pamphlets written by him brought him popularity not only in Virginia, but he also became known out side Virginia. His political pamphlet related to 'Rights of British America' was one of the famous pamphlets written by him. As Thomas was a good writer and a member of the Continental Congress, he was chosen as one of the authors to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

After 1776, Thomas left Congress and served in the legislature in Virginia for couple of years. He filled nomination for the post of Governor in 1779 and was elected as Governor from 1779 to 1781. After three years in 1784 Thomas became Trade Commissioner in France and was nominated as Benjamin Franklin's successor as minister. He served on his post for few years and also took deep interest in learning European culture.

Near 1790, because of his work, Thomas had gained a prominent position in politics and was being considered for higher-level posts. In 1790 he was selected for the post of Secretary of State. After six years in 1796, Thomas filled his nomination for the presidential seat from the Democratic Republicans but he lost the seat to John Adams by 3 electoral votes and was offered the post of Vice-President. During his term as Vice-President, Thomas worked towards achieving the presidential seat and after four years he again filled his nomination for the same. This time he was successful in defeating Adams and was selected third President of United States.

Thomas Jefferson served two full terms as president. During his term he made many important decisions, which later proved to be the most important ones in the history of the nation. One such decision Thomas made was complete purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803, which nearly doubled the land owned by his nation.

Thomas Jefferson descended from the post of President in 1809. After end of his presidential term he lived in his house 'Monticello' for about seventeen years before his death. Thomas knew the importance of education and wanted to establish one University to fulfill his wish, he planned the University of Virginia. It is said that Thomas designed the buildings and even marked the place where those were to be built. He even selected books for the library of the University and designed the curriculum. The school was opened in 1825 with about 40 students and he even served as first rector in it.

Thomas Jefferson died on 4 July 1826 when he was eighty-three years old, fifty years after the acceptance of Declaration of Independence draft.