Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson: A Biography

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States, the writer of the Declaration of Independence and an avid philosopher whose thoughts and ideas founded the nation we know today. The political leader, the architect, archeologist, author, and inventor- however many titles he has, not one can describe him alone. As a polymath, Jefferson had an affinity for languages, designed his own house, and had a passion for books, once saying “I cannot live without books.”

Jefferson was born in 1743on a family farm in Albemarle County, Virginia to a wealthy family. His father, received a letter in 1745 telling that a close friend of the family had died and that he was to inherit the estate and his four children, making Jefferson have six siblings altogether. It was at that house where Jefferson studied from a tutor and was morphed into the intellect as we know him today.

Jefferson entered the college if William and Mary in 1760 at the age of 16. While there, he studied mathematics, philosophy, and metaphysics under William Small, a big inspiration to Jefferson. He was never seen without his Greek grammar book, an according to other people he studied fifteen hours a day. 1762 came the year when Jefferson graduated with honors, and later went on to study law.

After he was done with his schooling, Jefferson served and practiced law at the Virginia House of Burgesses. At this time, he was also serving as the Colonial Legislature. While practicing law he wrote A Summary View of the Rights of British America. This book was intended to be used as instructions for Virginia delegates to a national congress. While serving under The Second Continental Congress Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence, for reasons being that he was the best writer. In 1776, Jefferson was elected to a new Virginia House of Delegates, or the State Legislature. At this position, he drafted 126 bills including the abolition of primogeniture, freedom of religion, and an elective system of study. This system of study was the first in an American University. Also another big accomplishment, Jefferson served from 1779-1781 as Virginia’s governor. He continued to advocate educational reforms at the College of William and Mary, including the nation's first student-policed honor code as governor. Dissatisfied with education that was separate from religious doctrines, Jefferson decided to found the University of Virginia in 1779.

Jefferson then campaigned with Aaron Burr, rallied their supporters, and stood for presidency in 1800. When the election came, the Electoral College had tied votes, so it was up to the House of Representatives to decide the new president. After lengthy debate within the Federalist-controlled House, Alexander Hamilton convinced his party that Jefferson would be a lesser political evil than Burr and that such scandal within the electoral process would undermine the still-young regime. The House resolved the issue on 17 February 1801 after thirty-six ballots, when Jefferson was elected President and Burr Vice President.