Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the third President of the country. He was married to Martha Wayles Skelton and had six children, but only two survived to adulthood. Here is a brief overview of his children and their lives.
Martha Jefferson Randolph
Martha Jefferson Randolph was the eldest child of Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Skelton. She was born on September 27, 1772, in Monticello, Virginia. She was educated at home by her father and later attended the Abbey of Panthemont in Paris with her mother. She married Thomas Mann Randolph Jr. in 1790 and they had 12 children. Martha was an active participant in her father's political life and often acted as his hostess in the White House. She died on October 10, 1836, at the age of 64.
Mary Jefferson Eppes
Mary Jefferson Eppes was the second child of Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Skelton. She was born on October 1, 1778, in Monticello, Virginia. She was educated at home by her father and later attended a boarding school in Philadelphia. She married John Wayles Eppes in 1797 and they had 11 children. Mary was known for her intelligence and wit, and she often corresponded with her father on political matters. She died on April 17, 1804, at the age of 25.
Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson
Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson was the third child of Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Skelton. She was born on November 3, 1780, in Monticello, Virginia. She was educated at home by her father and later attended school in Philadelphia. She suffered from poor health and died on April 13, 1781, at the age of six months.
Unnamed Son
Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Skelton had a son who was born on May 28, 1777, in Monticello, Virginia. He was not given a name and died on the same day of his birth.
Unnamed Daughter
Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Skelton had a daughter who was born on September 15, 1782, in Monticello, Virginia. She was not given a name and died on the same day of her birth.
Another Unnamed Daughter
Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Skelton had another daughter who was born on June 1, 1784, in Monticello, Virginia. She was not given a name and died on the same day of her birth.
Conclusion
Thomas Jefferson had six children, but only two survived to adulthood. Martha Jefferson Randolph and Mary Jefferson Eppes were known for their intelligence and active participation in their father's political life. The other children, including the unnamed ones, died at a young age. The legacy of Thomas Jefferson continues to inspire and influence people around the world today.