The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-05-04

curious chances and thus the pleasure Of homN
life which upon every eide surrounded him.
made him long for presiding Renlus for
Monticello, which at that time was in course OF
erection. But he was soon to meet his fate In
the person OF young. beautiful and tasoinAt-
ing widow
II was In I771 that Jefferson the lover reap
pears. The object OF his admiration this time
was Martha Shelton. widow OF Bathurst Skel-
ton. and daughter OF John Wales. Left .
widow at the carly age OF 10. she is described
as very beautiful aud surrounded by suitors
when jefferson entered the list and bore
of tho prize. A little above the average
height, with an exquisitely formed figure,
sbe was n model OF graceful and aueens
etko carriage, and nature added to her many
| personal attractions mind OF no ordinary
calibre. She was u most daring rider, grace
full dancer and her well cultivated talent for
| music served to enhance her attractions not
little in the eyes OF such a musical devoteo
| rs Jefferson. To sum 1t all up in
| few words, this beautiful young widow,
! according to tradition, was the paragon OF love-
| illness, An amusing Rnecdote OF two 81 Jeffer-
| sons rivals, who labored under the impression
| that the fair widows mind was still
undecided. is often told with much Ruso
in the family until this day. They
days at Tho Forest" where they saw Mr..
Jefferson. One dav they mot BY chance on the
threshold OF this Virginia abode and as they
entered the house they heard voices singing to
the music Of tho harpsichord and violin. ReonG-
nizing the voice OF their charmer, accompanied
by JeiIersons. they realized that their faie was
decided, and. aItor exchanging sympathetic
Rlnnces, turned around, Picked up their hats,
and loft tho house.
1t wns In January OF 1772, at The Forest"
the homo OF the brides father in Charles City
county, that the wedding festivities took place
In those early days wedding In the old Do.
minion meant grand prolonged froic. GUS
tom which is occasionally followed in the
Virginia Of to-day. AS the hour approached.
vehicles from far and near could DO seen wend-
ing their way along the country road and even
moro frequently party on horseback going to
join in the morrymaking and to wish tho
young couple God-speed. Roaring fires blRzed
In the old-fsshioned hreplaces. and the guests,
in their silks. laces, and jewels. mingled to-
gether and made the old house ring with their
mirth. while white satin sippered feet tripped
to bright music until broad daylight, aud Mr.
Thomas Jefferson was married and received
the congratulations OF his many friends. The
license bond required by the laws OF Virginia
for marriage. written in Jefrerson's own
handwriting and signed by him and Francis
EDpes, whose SOIL afterward married Jefler-
sons daughter. reads as follows, with the exc
ception that the word spinster is erased and
widow inserted in the handwriting OF another:
Know all men by these presents that We,
Thomas Jefferson and Francis Eppes, are held
and firmly bound to our sovereign lord the
King. his heirs and successors. in the sum Of
fifty pounds current money OF Virginia. to the
paiment OF which we'll and truly to be made
We bind ourselves jointly and seyerally, our
Joint and several heirs. executors. and admin
In witness whereof we have hereto
set our hands and seals this twenty-third day
Of December. in tho year OF our Lord one thou
sand seven hundred and seventy-one. The
condition Of the above obligation 10 such that
II there DO no lawful cause to obstruct o mar
riaRe intended to be had and solemnized be-
tween the above bound Thomas jefferson and
Martha SHELTON Of the county OF Charles City.
widow, for which license ia desired. then this
is to be null and void otherwise to
remain In full force"
The bridegroom set out with his bride
for Monticello In o snow storm and amid
. shower Of rice and slippers. As they pro-
ceeded the snow became deeper and deep
or. until at last they were obliged to
quit their equirsge. and mounting horses.
made the remainder OF the journey in the sad
lie. Arriving at Monticelio late at might. they
ound the house. which at that time was only
he servants in bed. Can one imagine a more
lreary Homecoming? After swaking the SCR
ants and finding bottle Of wine concealed
'ehind some books on o shell. the young BRIDE
orRetful OF her surrounding. laughs aud sings,
nd her husband pleased with her merrimont,
ooks on with admirinG chances: and thus
hey disappear into the coming flood OF
ears" unspeakably happy.
A descendant OF Jeffersons showed me q few
m nwTrfN d
'cket intended to hang on o watch chain. To
Q sure It was pretty little trinket. but COM
AIRED TO Its contents 1t was vaIueless One side
this small charm held generous lock OF Mr..
auburn hair. cut from his head after
cath by loving hands. and on the opposite
dc were lev dark hairs tied together By a
It OF silk and representing one Of the few
'uvenirs OF Martha Jefferson. she having died
irly in life This locket is TO be presented to
great-Rreat-grandson Of this IiIustrious
'upl0 upon his arriving at the age of q.
Within the last few years an amusing
cident occurred TO q great RrandchIld
Jenersons while on short visit 10 Viz
MIA. While converting with Miss SHELTON
IL conversation turned upon ancestry and
eat was her surprise 20 discover that she was
king 10 descendant OF Bathurst Shelton.
% first husband Of Martha jefferson. II Seems
at shelton wis q widower with children
hen lao married Martha Wales: 30 that.
rough DO tie Of cOnsSnguiniiT. one wRa Is-
ended from Martha JOfLersonls husband and
. other from Martha herself After JefieF.
Ms dea'h al original poem was found In his
eLetbook. who're he had preSumedly carried
Tor many years. iD which be speaks Of hla
TO- tho hrlde Of his youth. and u daughter
IAhing his coming on those celestial shorOst
90 'i'ioh' ATE 'Anishsd, he dFsAmS ere no ISaJs
'sAT fsnds Of ny bosop. sLy bsibsd "a IaATs'
. 10 isy iAihsrs sslsOH.s tue share
birh hIoSS' al inJ hope shrb bnflss ny aAasa
70 iSssSI any assT my i"sse dAHsIt,T Eaisu
'ssi pans u ne ~ a. pAFi,hS from gos
o ssfApis ssAii me iShE ShTOaase IA dsath
~ hsAf ihsh I0J lose - ~ lAAI psElhS ISaSfh
These 'sFaes are BOW 10 the D1sassslon q NE
aSi gTshdehbdfsB ~ Washington. aBa aaO
naHlnl a II l.lro ..nI.D. a. -. --......l.