The Life and Death of Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Name: The Life and Death of Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson
Start: 1782-09-06
Location: Unspecified

The Life of Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson was born in 1748 in Charles City County, Virginia. She was a member of one of the early aristocratic families in Virginia, the Wayles family, known for their wealth and influence during colonial times. Martha married Thomas Jefferson, the future third President of the United States, in 1772. Her life was deeply intertwined with Jefferson’s political career and the early formative years of the nation.

Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson's Early Life

Martha was born into a wealthy plantation-owning family, which afforded her a comfortable upbringing. Her father, Joseph Wayles, was a prominent landowner and a significant figure in the Virginia colony. This aristocratic background provided her with an education that was uncommon for women of her time, allowing her to enjoy the social and intellectual circles of colonial Virginia.

Marriage to Thomas Jefferson

Martha Wayles Skelton married Thomas Jefferson on New Year’s Day in 1772. The couple had six children together, but only two daughters, Martha and Mary, survived to adulthood. Despite the challenges they faced, including the loss of children and political pressures, Martha provided a nurturing and supportive home for her family, which was crucial to Jefferson as he navigated the complexities of early American politics.

The Death of Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Martha Jefferson's life tragically came to an end on September 6, 1782, just a few years after the American Revolutionary War and before Thomas Jefferson became President. Her death deeply affected Jefferson, who mourned her loss profoundly and often spoke of her in his later writings.

The Impact of Martha's Death on Thomas Jefferson

The death of Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson had a significant impact on Thomas Jefferson's life. He faced not only the grief of losing his beloved wife but also the challenge of raising their two surviving daughters on his own. This personal tragedy is often seen as a turning point in Jefferson’s life, leading him to become more withdrawn and focused on his work.

Martha's Legacy

Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson is remembered not only for her role as a supportive partner to one of America’s Founding Fathers but also for her contributions to the social fabric of their lives. The values she embodied and instilled in her children continue to resonate through the legacy of the Jefferson family.

Fun Fact

Martha Jefferson’s Interesting Fact

A fascinating detail about Martha is that she was often referred to as "Patsy" by her family and friends, and she played a key role in hosting important figures of her time at Monticello, the Jefferson estate.