Thomas Jefferson
Lucero Flores
Mr. Craig
English III Honors
11/05/12
Thomas Jefferson; from nothing to America “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.” (Jefferson) Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of America. He was put on earth at the right time. When America needed a man of many talents and of wise words, Jefferson was there. Jefferson helped shape America into what it is today. Thomas Jefferson led a long life, wrote the declaration of independence and shaped America into what it is today. From the beginning Jefferson was destined for greatness. Jefferson was born April 13th, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia Peter Jefferson, his father, was a successful surveyor and planter. His mother came from an important list of people. Jefferson inherited a good amount of land and slaves from his dad and his wife’s dad. Jefferson started to build Monticello at age twenty-six. When he was twenty-seven he married a woman named Martha Wayles Skelton. They were happy for 10 years before she passed away. They had a total of six kids but just two of theose kids survived to be adults. Jefferson didn’t remarry after his first wifes death. Jefferson attended the college of William and Mary. While there he practiced law and served as a magistrate, lieutenant and was a member of the House of Burgesses. In 1776 he was chosen to write the draft of the declaration of independence. After Jefferson left congress he served in the Virginia legislature, served as governor, commissioner and mister. He ran for president but lost and became vice-president to John Adams, then after four years he ran for president again against John Adams but this time he won, even though it was fair it caused a strain on their relationship. As a president he purchased the Louisiana Territory and supported expeditions to expand America. (“Brief
Mr. Craig
English III Honors
11/05/12
Thomas Jefferson; from nothing to America “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.” (Jefferson) Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of America. He was put on earth at the right time. When America needed a man of many talents and of wise words, Jefferson was there. Jefferson helped shape America into what it is today. Thomas Jefferson led a long life, wrote the declaration of independence and shaped America into what it is today. From the beginning Jefferson was destined for greatness. Jefferson was born April 13th, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia Peter Jefferson, his father, was a successful surveyor and planter. His mother came from an important list of people. Jefferson inherited a good amount of land and slaves from his dad and his wife’s dad. Jefferson started to build Monticello at age twenty-six. When he was twenty-seven he married a woman named Martha Wayles Skelton. They were happy for 10 years before she passed away. They had a total of six kids but just two of theose kids survived to be adults. Jefferson didn’t remarry after his first wifes death. Jefferson attended the college of William and Mary. While there he practiced law and served as a magistrate, lieutenant and was a member of the House of Burgesses. In 1776 he was chosen to write the draft of the declaration of independence. After Jefferson left congress he served in the Virginia legislature, served as governor, commissioner and mister. He ran for president but lost and became vice-president to John Adams, then after four years he ran for president again against John Adams but this time he won, even though it was fair it caused a strain on their relationship. As a president he purchased the Louisiana Territory and supported expeditions to expand America. (“Brief
Cited: Page "Brief Biography of Thomas Jefferson." « Thomas Jefferson 's Monticello. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/brief-biography-thomas-jefferson>. Holt. "from The Declaration of Independece." Holt Elements of Literature. Fifth Course. Essentials of American Literature. Orlando, FL.: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2007. N. pag. Print. "The Third US President - Thomas Jefferson." The Third US President - Thomas Jefferson. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/History/presidents/Presidents_3_Jefferson.htm>. "Thomas Jefferson." - Wikiquote. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson>.