Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, was one of the most brilliant men
             in history. His interests were boundless, and his accomplishments were great and varied. He was
             a philosopher, educator, naturalist, politician, scientist, architect, inventor, pioneer in scientific
             farming, 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 Jane
             Randolph 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 of
             mathematics 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 friends
             Jefferson 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 of
             the next year he was elected to the House of Burgesses, in which he served until the house cease
             to function in 1775. He was appointed county lieutenant of Albemarle in 1770 and the same year
             completed the building of his new home, Monticello. Two years later he married, January 1, 1772,
             Martha Skelton, a widow who was both attractive and accomplished, the daughter of John
             Wayles, a well known lawyer, and just before the College of William and Mary appointed him
             surveyor of the county in 1773 (Adams, Page #46-47).
             Jefferson's most remarkable contribution in legislative work before the Revolution came
             through work on committees and though such writings as his paper to the Virginia Convention, A
             Summary View of the Rights of British America. In defining the grievances with G...