Jefferson, Thomas

JoAnn Danelo Barbour

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) wanted to be remembered on his tombstone for three achievements: Author of the Declaration of American Independence, the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson accomplished so much more. He was a political philosopher, architect, musician, book collector, scientist, lawyer, horticulturist, diplomat, inventor, writer, and, of course, third President of the United States (1800–1808). Although the term “Renaissance man” was not coined until the nineteenth century, Jefferson has become, for many, its exemplar. Having served his country over 50 years, Jefferson, in his early professional life, worked in local government as a magistrate, county lieutenant, and member of the House of Burgesses. During the Revolutionary era, he provided leadership as a member of the Continental Congress, was chosen in 1776 to draft the Declaration of Independence, served in the Virginia legislature until his election as governor in 1779, began ...

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