jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, was one of the most brilliant menin history. His interests were boundless, and his accomplishments were great and varied. He wasa philosopher, educator, naturalist, politician, scientist, architect, inventor, pioneer in scientificfarming, musician, and writer, and was the foremost spokesmen for democracy in his day. He was born at Shadwell in Goochland County, Virginia on April 13, 1743, to JaneRandolph and Peter Jefferson. Jefferson Graduated from the college of William and Mary in 1760(Adams, Page #26). His interest in science was fostered by Dr. William Small, teacher ofmathematics and philosophy, who introduced him to Gov. Francis Fauquier and to George Wythe,then the most noted teacher of law in Virginia. To "habitual conversation" with these friendsJefferson said he "owed much instruction" (Dos Passos, Page #102). In 1767 Jefferson was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in the capitol (Adams,Page #43). Jefferson was elected justice of the peace and church vestryman in 1768. In May ofthe next year he was elected to the House of Burgesses, in which he served until the house cease
The most important question confronting Jefferson as secretary of state grew out of thepolicy of neutrality adopted by the United States toward its ally, France. Jefferson was chosen to be the firstpresident to be inaugurated in the city of Washington. The greatest achievements of Jefferson's administration werethe Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition throughthe Northwest part of the territory acquired in the purchase, in 1804 (Adams Page #318-319). appointed county lieutenant of Albemarle in 1770 and the same yearcompleted the building of his new home, Monticello. Jefferson resigned from theoffice of secretary on December 31, 1793, and retired to Monticello (Adams, Page #251-253). During this period, Jefferson differed with Secretary of theTreasury Alexander Hamilton's theories of foreign policies and government fiancee, and wasleader of a faction opposing Hamilton. He reenactedthe five-year residency requirement for citizenship, and replaced all Federalist office holders withRepublicans. The head and heart of Thomas Jefferson. He added to his valuable collection of books andbought instruments for making astronomical observations. Although he was exonerated, his reputation was badlytarnished in his home state (Wibberley, Page #110). He also enacted a plan to remove the national debt by 1817, while at the same timereducing taxes (Conlin Page #205). He was appointed minister to France in1785 when Benjamin Franklin retired from the position and remained in France until October1789.
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