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Thomas Jefferson

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Thomas Jefferson
By: Jamie M. Narron
American History I Instructor Dr. Alan Lamm
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 at Shadwell, his family’s farm in Albemarle County, Virginia. Thomas was the third child in the family of 10 children, six girls and 4 boys. His father, Peter Jefferson had many jobs during his life; he served as a surveyor, sheriff, colonel of militia, and member of the House of Burgess. His mother, Jane Randolph Jefferson, came from the one of the oldest families in Virginia. [1]
Thomas grew up as any normal young colony boy would. His interest included hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and canoeing. All the children learned to play the violin and to appreciate music. Peter Jefferson taught Thomas to read and write, and to keep the farm accounts. [1]
At the age of nine Thomas began his studies in local schools, and went to live with a nearby Scottish clergyman, who taught him Latin, Greek, and French. [1]
At the age of fourteen Thomas Jefferson’s father passed away. Thomas being the oldest son became the head of the family. His inheritance included Shadwell with its 30 slaves and more than 2, 500 acres of land. John Harvey, Thomas’s guardian, managed the estate. [1]
After Thomas’s father died, he entered the school of the Reverend James Maury, near Charlottesville.
Thomas Jefferson was a remarkable genius, he enjoyed a large number of pursuits ranging from reading the works of Greek and Roman authors, and he read these in their own language. He enjoyed studying fossils and introducing carious European plants to the New World. Thomas Jefferson became a great president that was a powerful political writer. Additional Jefferson was an outstanding architect, scientist, musician, philosopher, lawyer, naturalist, farmer, and surveyor.
While Jefferson enjoyed discussing the creative ideas of great philosophers, he also was a

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