Thomas Jefferson (Quote Book) (Great American Quote Books)
Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia in 1743. He was born into a wealthy and socially prominent family. Jefferson attended the College of William and Mary, then studied law.  In 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton. Although, as a writer, Jefferson was eloquent, he was not considered a very good  public speaker. As a member of both the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress, he took on much of the writing.  At the young age of 33,  Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. After the Revolutionary War, Jefferson was appointed Secretary of State in President Washington's Cabinet.  He resigned in 1793 over a disagreement with Alexander Hamilton. As political disagreements continued to polarize the young government, Jefferson found himself leading those who sympathized with the revolutionary cause in France.  In 1800, Jefferson was elected President in a tie vote that ironically was decided by Alexander Hamilton.After two terms as President, Jefferson went back ot his home in Monticello, where he developed, among other projects, plans for the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826.