 THOMAS JEFFERSONThird President of the United States
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THOMAS JEFFERSONThird President of the United States
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Thomas Jefferson wanted the 13 colonies to become a nation. He was a good writer, so he wrote letters asking people to help the nation become free. He wrote letter after letter; 50,000 letters during his lifetime.
He was such a good writer that he was one of five men chosen to write the Declaration of Independence. He wanted to be able to think, so he rented a house and stayed there by himself for 17 days. He searched in his mind for just the right words. When he had finished it, he gave it to the Continental Congress, and on July 4, 1776 it was adopted * . The war for freedom; the revolution * had started.
Jefferson was born on the family farm in Virginia to a wealthy family. He had six sisters and three brothers; a large family indeed.
When he was a boy he enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horses and canoeing. He also loved music and learned to play the violin.
His father was his teacher and his parents talked to him about the importance of serving others. His father died when Thomas was 14 years old.
When he was 17 he entered college and studied law. He would make a schedule for himself and study 15 hours or more a day. Because of his hard work, he was at the head of his class. He soon passed the bar exam * and became a lawyer in Virginia.
Monticello
Photo by Christopher HollisHe married and built a home called Monticello (Mon-ti-CHELLO). Later his wife, Martha, died.
When George Washington was president, Jefferson was his secretary of state. Then he served as vice president under John Adams. Jefferson was elected the third president of the United States in 1801.
His wife died 19 years before he became president, so there was no "First Lady" * . Sometimes his daughters served as hostesses * . Dolley Madison, the wife of his Secretary of State, was also a popular hostess in the White House.
He knew the country had to grow, so he completed the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the nation.
After two terms as president he returned to Monticello and farming. He grew hundreds of different kinds of vegetables and fruit trees.
He knew education was important, so he planned the University of Virginia. He designed the buildings and marked where they should be built. He also chose the library books, and even hired the teachers. The school opened in 1825 with 40 students.
Thomas Jefferson died 50 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
A frequent question: "Who wrote this biography and when was it written?" Look on this Reference Citations Chart.
The Thomas Jefferson Papers
at the Library of Congress
Writing the Declaration of Independence,1776
from Eye Witness to History
My Own Book
put yourself in this story about the Louisiana Purchase
The Declaration of Independence
video lesson
(Click on the topics "Interactive Media Files", be sure volume is turned up.)
Jefferson as President
video lesson
(Click on the topics "Interactive Media Files" )
Information about Thomas Jefferson
(Look in the box top left) at Humanities Web
"Thomas Jefferson, A Character Sketch"
online book by Edward Ellis
"Thomas Jefferson"
online book by Thomas Watson
Thomas Jefferson
American Presidents, Life Portraits
Listen to stories about this president.
Whitehouse 101
fun facts about the presidents
At biography.com search for Thomas Jefferson.
Scroll the panel for the "Video & Audio Results".
Discover Thomas Jefferson: Architect, Inventor
By Patricia A. Pingry / Ideals Publications Inc
Young readers will enjoy discovering the life of Thomas Jefferson on their own through humorous watercolors and informative, easy-to-read text. Features simple sentences and color illustrations. Written at a second-grade level.
Fandex Field Guide: Presidents
By Workman Publishing
Which president served two non-consecutive terms? Which one also served as chief justice of the Supreme Court? From George Washington to Bill Clinton, this full-color deck of presidential cards helps kids keep history straight! Each full-face, die-cut portrait includes a short biography, historic moments, First Lady's name, and more, and fans out to put the facts right at your fingertips---all in chronological order. From Workman.
First Ladies - Fandex
By Workman Publishing
Each of the first ladies from Martha Washington to Laura Bush is included in this 50-page Fandex. Die-cut cards include photos and biographical details, plus some interesting inside information you may not have already known! Fun for the whole family on a never-lose-a-card handy Fandex design. 11" tall. Boxed.
Thomas Jefferson Biography FunBook
By Carole Marsh & Sherry Moss(Editor) / Gallopade International
Everyone's favorite way to learn about America's most important citizens! Easy-to-read information, facts, trivia, humor and activities are all included in Biography Funbooks! Ages 7-12. paperback.
Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
By Dennis Brindell Fradin / Grosset & Dunlap
Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It's true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation's most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and-what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life-a slave owner. Finally, here's a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father's remarkable and complicated life. 112 pages, paperbacks. Ages 8-12.
From Word Central's Student Dictionary
by Merriam - Webster
(Pronunciation note: the schwa sound is shown by ə)
adopt
Pronunciation: ə-'dopt
Function: verb
to accept formally as in "the assembly adopted a constitution"
revolution
Pronunciation: "rev-ə-'loo-shən
Function: noun
a sudden, extreme, or complete change or a basic change in government; especially : the overthrow of one government and the substitution of another by the governed, rebellion
examination (exam)
Pronunciation: ig-"zam-ə-'nA-shən
Function: noun
a test to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge
First Lady
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
the wife or hostess of the male chief executive of a state or nation
hostess
Pronunciation: 'hO-stəs
Function: noun
a woman who acts as host; especially : one who greets
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Most Recent Comments ( See more comments on this page ) 2010-01-25
very helpful it helped me wit my history hw thank you!!!!!!!!!!
2009-12-17
i dont like it it lies
ryan (ryandobradi_AT_yahoo_DOT_com)2009-12-03
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