Thomas Jefferson

**Thomas Jefferson** is the 1st Secretary of State. Jefferson was a Senator, Governor, Continental Congressman, and President of the Continental Congress.

Jefferson served most of his adult life as a public figure, and was often suspected of adultery with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. Jefferson had been a prolific slave owner throughout his life, almost writing a condemnation of slavery in the Declaration of Independence, but taking it out due to fear of offending the southern states.

## Political Career

### Early Political Career

At the age of 26 Jefferson would enter his first spout of politics in the Virginia House of Burgesses from May 11, 1769, where he served until June 1, 1775. Jefferson would be sent to the Continental Congress in 1775, serving in multiple major committees, including the Committee of Five with John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, where he would write the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson would become President of the Continental Congress in October of 1777, following John Hancock, and would serve in the that position for 5 years, the longest of any of those Presidents. Jefferson would also serve as Governor of Virginia during those years from 1779-1782.

### Constitutional Convention and State Politics

In 1787 Jefferson would leave the Continental Congress and join the Constitutional Convention, where he would be among the delegates to create and sign the Constitution. Jefferson would leave national politics for a bit after this, returning as the Governor of Virginia for 1 final term.

### National Politics

By 1788 the first elections were being held, and under draft effort, Jefferson was elected as the first Senator of Virginia, representing the state in the 1st United States Congress, serving as the 1st President Pro Tempore. In 1790 Jefferson would be nominated as Secretary of State by President George Washington, and after being confirmed would enter as the 1st Secretary of State, leaving his position as President Pro Tempore. Jefferson would not run for another term as Senator, instead focusing on his Cabinet Position, letting James Monroe precede him.

## Personal Life

Thomas Jefferson was born the third of ten children on April 13, 1743 to Peter and Jane Jefferson in Albemarle County, Virginia. At age 13 in 1757, Peter Jefferson died, in his will Thomas and his brother Randolph received the divided land. John Harvie Sr. would become the legal guardian of Thomas, and in 1764, at the age of 21, Jefferson would become the full legal owner of his lands, which included Monticello.

In 1772, Jefferson would marry his third cousin, Martha Wayles Skelton. Together they would have two surviving daughters, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson and Mary "Polly" Jefferson. Jefferson's wife, Martha, would die in 1782, leaving Jefferson alone with his 3 and soon to be 2 daughters. Martha made Jefferson promise to never marry again, and Jefferson would grow sad and lonely after her death, though he would have frequent meetings with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings.

* Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolf (Born: September 27, 1772)
* Jane Jefferson (1774-1775)
* ... Jefferson (1777)
* Mary "Polly" Jefferson (Born: August 1, 1778)
* Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson (1780-1781)
* Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson (1782-1784)