Thomas Jefferson Research Paper

As a wise professor once told his class about a Lincoln's biographer, "I went to bed with Mr. Lincoln every night for . . ." I also choose carefully the person for my thoughts as Thomas Jefferson. The author of the declaration of independence, a great statesman, an aristocratic diplomat, a Virginia nationalist, a philosopher, a scientist, an architect, a plantation and slave owner, this multi faced personality is as intriguing as meaning of being an American itself. Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia colony on April 13, 1743. He was the third child and eldest son of Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph. His father was a surveyor a map maker, a magistrate and a member of the Virginia House of Burgess. His mother's aristocratic background assured mild manners and social standing. Young Thomas
loved to study, and learn to read and write at a very early age. He was sent off to boarding school, where he learned many different languages such as Greek, Latin, and his favorite, French. He was also self-taught in Italian, Spanish and German.
He went on hikes and horse back rides to explore the vast Virginia wilderness, and kept records of his discoveries. At age fourteen Jefferson's father passed away, he received the largest inheritance including his father's many books, desk and mathematical instruments. By age twentyone, he acquired his full inheritance including 2,500 acres of land and several slaves. For next two years he went to school locally, but his quench for knowledge pushed him to enroll at the college of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia. His mind flourished tremendously while living in Williamsburg's active political and social scene. After graduation he became a lawyer's assistant, and five years later took the bar exam. This was a period of great unease in Colonial America due to the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765. In 1768 Jefferson was elected to the House of Burgess, thus the the beginning of a life long public service. Although Thomas was very involved in Williamsburg, his love for country kept taking him back to Shad well. In 1769 he began to build his home on a mountain top and called it Monticello, the little
mountain. He met a charming widow Martha Wayles Skelton, they fell in love and got married on New Year's Day in1772. These were happy times in his personal life but "storm clouds of change were brewing"(Jones 39) in the nation. In 1773 he wrote a paper regarding the rights of British and the colonist, and sent copies to some of his friends such as Patrick Henry, who printed it as pamphlet and hundreds of copies were sent to all colonies. Some copies reached England and created quite a stir. By 1775 the resentment against British rule reached its peak. In June 1776 many members of Continental Congress were united behind the no rule of Britain for the colonies resolution. A committee was set up to write a declaration of independence. They choose the best writer, Thomas Jefferson who in turn produced the best writing of his 33 years in 17 days.Hence on July 4th 1776 congress adopts the Declaration of Independence.