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The Domestic Life Of Thomas Jefferson Compiled From Family Letters And Reminiscences Of Contemporaries

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Portrait Of Thomas Jefferson The Domestic Life Of Thomas Jefferson Compiled From Family Letters And Reminiscences

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a brilliant statesman, a gifted writer, and an ardent advocate for democracy. But what was Jefferson like in his private life? What were his relationships with his family and friends? What were his interests and hobbies?

The Domestic Life of Thomas Jefferson; Compiled From Family Letters and Reminiscences

by Ken Babbs

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this article, we will explore the domestic life of Thomas Jefferson, based on family letters and reminiscences of contemporaries. We will learn about his marriage, his children, his daily routine, and his favorite pastimes. We will also gain insights into his personality and character.

Family Life

Jefferson was born into a wealthy planter family in Virginia in 1743. He married Martha Wayles Skelton in 1772, and they had six children together. However, only two of their children survived to adulthood: Martha (Patsy) and Maria (Polly).

Jefferson was a devoted husband and father. He wrote frequently to his wife and children, and he often expressed his love and affection for them. He was also deeply involved in their education, and he encouraged them to pursue their interests.

Jefferson's relationship with his wife was not always easy. Martha was a strong-willed and independent woman, and she did not always agree with her husband's political views. However, they remained married for 34 years, until Martha's death in 1782.

Jefferson was deeply affected by Martha's death. He never remarried, and he devoted himself to his children and his work. He continued to write to his children frequently, and he often expressed his love and concern for them.

Daily Routine

Jefferson was a man of routine. He typically woke up early, around 6:00 AM, and he would start his day by reading the newspaper. He then spent the morning working on his correspondence and other official business. In the afternoon, he usually took a break for lunch and a nap. He then spent the rest of the afternoon working on his writing and other projects.

Jefferson was a voracious reader, and he had a wide range of interests. He read books on history, philosophy, science, and literature. He also collected books, and his library was one of the largest in the country at the time.

Jefferson was also an avid gardener, and he loved to spend time outdoors. He grew a variety of vegetables and fruits, and he also planted flowers. He was also interested in architecture, and he designed and built his own home, Monticello.

Favorite Pastimes

Jefferson had a number of favorite pastimes. He loved to play the violin, and he often played music with his family and friends. He also enjoyed riding horses, playing billiards, and hunting.

Jefferson was also a skilled craftsman, and he enjoyed making furniture and other objects. He was also a talented inventor, and he invented a number of devices, including a plow, a seed drill, and a dumbwaiter.

Personality and Character

Jefferson was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a brilliant intellectual, but he was also a practical man. He was a strong believer in democracy, but he also owned slaves. He was a loving husband and father, but he could also be aloof and distant.

However, there is no doubt that Jefferson was a remarkable man. He was a gifted statesman, a talented writer, and a passionate advocate for democracy. He was also a loving husband and father, and he had a wide range of interests and hobbies.

Thomas Jefferson was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a brilliant statesman, a gifted writer, and an ardent advocate for democracy. But he was also a man with a rich and varied private life. He was a devoted husband and father, he loved to spend time outdoors, and he had a wide range of interests and hobbies.

In this article, we have explored the domestic life of Thomas Jefferson, based on family letters and reminiscences of contemporaries. We have learned about his marriage, his children, his daily routine, and his favorite pastimes. We have also gained insights into his personality and character.

Jefferson was a remarkable man, and his legacy continues to inspire us today. He was a brilliant statesman, a gifted writer, and a passionate advocate for democracy. But he was also a loving husband and father, and he had a rich and varied private life.

The Domestic Life of Thomas Jefferson; Compiled From Family Letters and Reminiscences

by Ken Babbs

5 out of 5