The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-09-21
EDUCATIONAL.
THOMAS JEFFERSON,
Third President Of the United states.

THOMAS JEFFERSON,
Third President Of the United States.
The subject of our sketch this
week, bears name familiar in all
American homes, and almost equally
as well known across the waters.
Wherever the famous Declaration of
Independence is known (and where
is it not? it is admired, and is spo-
ken Of in the same breath with the
name of the man who gave it life.
1t would never have been a Declara-
tion Of Indepedcnt position without
Thomas Jefferson.
He was born April I'd, 1743, and
was the third child, Of a family
group Of nine. Thirteen years be-
fore the keel Of tho Mayhower sra-
ted on the shores Of New England,
the settlement Of Virginia had been
commenced, and among the earliest
corners we're the ancestors Of Jeffer-
son. Being vigorous, sturdily In
dustrious people, they took up large
landed estates and soon became
thrifty. and influential The mar
riage Of Peter Jefferson, the father
of Thomas, to one Of the Randolphs,
further increased their influence in
the Colonies. The Randolphs we're
English people Of opulcnce and high
standing. They had been among
The best educated families, of. Eng.
land, and in the transplantins to
another soil, lost none Of their true
worth. They made strenuous efforts
to renew Old England in America.
Thomas Jefferson unlike many Of
the children of his dsy. had the adj
vantage Of attending good schools.
He very early gave evidence of a
vigorous manhood, and of the won
derful memory that SO often assisted
~
him in after years.
An incident that happened when
only two years of age, was rendered
ly him and often related in after
ears. On one occasion, when at
the age of three, his dinner had been
delayed for a short time, and becom-
ing impatient, he repeated the Lords
prayer in the hope of sooner getting
his dinner. Few memories go back
ever to the third year.
His education included 4 knowl-
edge Of Latin, Greek and French. AS
both father and mother gave evi-
dence of decided literary taste, it is
clear that on grounds of hereditary
it would be reasonable to expect coed
literary abilities in their children.
The good qualities ofsuch, both ply
sical and intellectual, seemed to
have reached glorious combination
in Thomas. He was tall, wclI-form-
ed and muscular, possessing the ply
sical strength of his father, and the
fine fibcred endurance of his mother.
His father dying when Thomas was
| at the age of fourteen. his further
education was tended ard cared for
| by one of the most devoted of moth
ers. No doubt the loss fhis father
deeply impressed his young mind,
and the intimacy with his mother
latter he was thrown wholly upon her
T for guidance increased his Thought
| |fulness, and ripcned and increased
the strength of his character.
There cds destiny rhich shap-
ed his end; for with his perfectly
| -.
poised nature, the carly Influences
|that surrounded him, it is plain that
|hc was fated to become force in
the world. The Revolution was COM
fng on. and mind was maturing
that would be able to grapple with
IL in all its details. The poison and
b successful antidote were both un-
|icr going preparation.
In 1850 in compliance with re-
quest of his father. he entered Will
lam snd Mary College at Williams
burg. While on his way there at
Ehe commencement of the session, he
thanccd to stop at.the residence of "a
Friend ofthe family. and there formed
|in acquaintance that was soon to
Fipcn into the warmest friendship.
This person was Patrick Henry, then
+.
4 young man who he'd failed in busi-
hess, and wac idling away his time
|n the frolics and dances ofthc young
Peoplc, and in fishing and hunting.
Thomas afterwards remarked of him;
His passion was fiddling and dan
sing and pleasantly" Jefferson,
Iimself being fond of gaiety in all
Is various aspects, took great lik-
ng to the original, quaint, brilliant,
alf-philosopher. As an Indication
/ how rapidly men rose. to distinct
pm in that day, we will mention that
! few months afterward Mr.. Hen
y called on Jefferson and informed
i'm that he had studied law, and
jas then at the capital to secure his
cense. The half-worthless young
Her, had, in short time, become
ill-fedged lawyer.
In his day, colleges werefilled with
4 entirely different cloas ofstudant.