Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1851-08-14
E3l&GG / s. 0J o.
SIGNERS THEDECLhRATI0N OF
INDEPENDENCE.
THOMAS JEFFERSON or VIRGINIA.

American history presents few names to
lis students more attractive and distinguished
than that Of Thomas Jefferson, and rarely
has single individual, in civll station, ac-
guired such an ascendency aver the feelings
and actions of a people, IS was possessed by
the subject Of this brief memoir. To trace
the lines of his character and career, is
pleasing task for every American whose mind
is fixed upon the political destiny Of his coun-
Try, and we regret the narrow limits to which
our pen is confined.
DIR Jeiterson's family we're among the ear
y British emIgrants to Virginia. His auces-
tors came from Wales, from near the great
Snowden mountain. His grandfather settled
in Chesterfield, and had three sons, Thomas,
Field, and Peter. The latter married Jane,
daughter Of Isham Randolph. Of Goochland, 4,
of Scotch descent; and on the thirteenth Of
April, I743, she became the mother Of the
subject Of this sketch. They resided at that
time at Shadwel, IN Al5ernarle county, Fir-
ginia. Thomas was the eldest child. His
father died when he was fourteen years old,
leaving a widow and eight children-two
sons, and six daughters. IIe left handsome
estate to his family and The lands. which he
cslle: Monticello, teil II Ia0mas. where he
latter aiAa5S Ilsiut4 NatI It ta. geG an
public duty, and where he lived at the time
Of his death.
Thomas entered grammar school at the
aTe OF five years, and y hen nine wears old he
commenced the study OF the elias les with a
Scotch clergyman named Douglas. On the
death of has father the Reverend Mr.. Maury
became his preceptor and in the spriny ot
1860. he entered - Illlam and Mary College,
where he remained two years. From Doctor
William Small, a professor of mathematics
in the college, he received his fast philoso-
phlcal teachings, and the bias of his mind
concerning subjects of scientific investiga-
ton seemed to have received its initial impetus
from that gentleman. Through his influence
in 1862 young jefferson wa admitted a5
student-at-law IN the Office q George Wythe,
the intimate friend Of Governor Fauquier, at
whose table our subject became a welcome
guest.
In 1865, while yet . stHdent. jefferson
heard the celebrated speech 81 Patrick Henry
against the Stamp Act; and fred by - doe
tr:nes. he at once stood forth The avoH ed
champion of American freedom. 30 manifest
were his talents, that in 1863 he was elected
a member Of the Virginia Legislature, and
became at once active and popular there. ale
filled that station until the period OF the Rev
oution, when ne was called TO the perior-
nance of more exalted dulles In the notIoual
council.
He was married in January. I772, to Mrs.
Marina SkeitOhs a wealthy WHOM Oi tNetttt
three, who was the daughter Of John Wales,
an eminent Virginia lawyer.
When the system oi Urnmittees Of cores
pondence was es tabiished IN 1913, Mr.. JefieF-
son was a member of the FIRST committee IN
Virginia. and was very active with his pen.
In I774, his powerful written Phamphlet was
published, called &" A Summary View Of the
Rights of British America" Ii was address
sed to the king. and was published II In
GLAND, under The auspices of Edmund Burke.
He was elected a delegate 10 represent VIZ
rrnia in the Continental Congress of l715,and
for several wears he was one Of the most et-
fcient members Of that body. lie soon be-
came distinguished among the men Of talents
there, although comparatively young; and
when. in the succeeding year, committee vas