I was born on April 13th, 1743 in my family's estate, called Shadwell, located in Albemarle County in Virginia.
My father, Peter Jefferson, was owner of plantation, and my mother, Jane Jefferson came from an aristocratic and wealthy Randolf family of Virginia. I was the first son, among three other sons and six dauters.
My father provided educational opportunity for me. I enjoyed learning, but I had to be fifty miles away from home, when I was only nine. I was taught Latin, Greek, and French. When I wasn't studying, I learned how to hunt, ride horse, and play the violin.
Unfortunately, I lost my father when I was fourteen. After my father's death, I changed my school which was closer to Shadwell.
In the spring of 1760, I entered William and Mary College. There, I studied science, mathematics, and ethics. But more than anything, I learned logic and how to write effectively.
I studied law after college, and in 1767, I began my career in Virginia. In 1769, I was elected as a member of the House of Burgesses(Virginia legislature). While I was working as a legislator, I joined group of people who wanted America's independence from the Great Britain, because I thought British was oppressing the Colonies too much.
Meantime, I built my own house, Monticello, and met my love, Martha Wayles Skelton. She was a beautiful, young widow. We had a happy life with six children. Sadly, my beloved Martha passed away ten years after the marriage, and only two daughters grew up to adulthood. Although I achieved numerous things later in my life, I always yearn Martha and other four loving children.
One of famous documents in the world, Declaration of Independence was written by me in 1776. I am proud that it gave not onlyindependence to America, but liberty-seeking attitude to people on other parts of the world.
After 1776, I came back to Virginia government, and served as a governor(two terms).
In 1783, I was elected to the United States Congress.
I got a chance to experience Europe, because I became a minister to France, after Benjamin Franklin(1784-1789).
I served as the first secretary of state during presidency of George Washington. When John Adams became the next president, I became Vice President. Then, finally, in 1801, I became the third president of United States of America(served two terms). As a president, I am mostly remembered with Louisiana Purchase.
After serving two terms of presidency, I returned to Monticello. I enjoyed farming, gardening, and inventing things.
But most importantly, I founded University of Virginia.
Proudly, my collection of books became the base of the United States Library of Congress.
I began my afterlife on a memorable day, Fourth of July in 1826, exactly fifty years after America became independent.
On this day, I am mostly remembered as a president of United States of America, and how I affected America. Therefore, I would like to blog more about how I affected Europe.
