Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson was a member of the wealthy Randolph family of Virginia and married to Thomas Jefferson, one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States, who served as the Governor of Virginia and later as the third President of the United States. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and musical talents, often compared to those of Marie Antoinette and Abigail Adams. As the wife of Thomas Jefferson, she was also acquainted with other prominent figures of the time, including George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Her family connections included Thomas Nelson Jr., St. George Tucker, and John Randolph of Roanoke.

Early Life

Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson was born on September 27, 1772, in Charles City County, Virginia, to John Wayles and Martha Eppes Wayles. Her father was a wealthy planter and lawyer who had connections with prominent families, including the Randolphs and the Carrs. She was educated at home, where she developed her skills in music, particularly the piano and the harpsichord, and was also taught French and literature. Her musical talents were often praised by Thomas Jefferson, who was himself an accomplished violin player and had a great appreciation for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. She was also familiar with the works of William Shakespeare and John Milton.

Marriage and Family

In 1772, Thomas Jefferson married Martha Wayles Skelton, and they had six children together, including Martha Jefferson Randolph, Jane Randolph Jefferson, Elizabeth Eppes, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, Maria Eppes, and Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson. The family lived at Monticello, the Jefferson estate in Albemarle County, Virginia, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself and featured a unique blend of Palladian architecture and French Renaissance architecture. The estate was also home to a large collection of books, including works by Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Immanuel Kant. Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate for women's education and ensured that his daughters received a good education, with Martha Jefferson Randolph attending the Pantheon School in Philadelphia.

Monticello and Daily Life

At Monticello, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson managed the household and supervised the slaves, who worked on the estate. She was also responsible for entertaining guests, including George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison. The estate was known for its beautiful gardens, which featured a variety of flowers, trees, and vegetables, and were designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. Monticello was also a center of intellectual and cultural activity, with Thomas Jefferson hosting salons and dinners that featured discussions on politics, philosophy, and literature. Guests at Monticello included Benjamin Rush, James Monroe, and Robert Livingston.

Later Life and Death

Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson died on September 6, 1782, at the age of 33, due to complications from childbirth. Her death was a devastating blow to Thomas Jefferson, who was deeply in love with her and never remarried. After her death, Thomas Jefferson became increasingly reclusive and focused on his politics and writing, producing works such as Notes on the State of Virginia and the Declaration of Independence. He also maintained a close relationship with his daughters, particularly Martha Jefferson Randolph, who managed the household at Monticello after her mother's death. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, and was buried at Monticello alongside Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson and other members of the Jefferson family, including Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph Jefferson.