Tom and I watched the Ken Burn's documentary on Thomas Jefferson last night. I love his recounting of history. I was interested to learn more about this founding father and his life surrounding the composition of the Declaration of Independence. He must have been an extraordinary man. However, as the story unfolded, I was surprised to learn that the REAL unsung hero(ine)was his wife, Martha.
Check this out:
During her lifetime Martha Jefferson bore seven children. Her son John, born during her first marriage, died at the age of three the summer before she married Jefferson. Of the six children born during her ten year marriage with Jefferson, only two daughters, Martha and Mary, would live to adulthood. Two daughters (Jane Randolph and Lucy Elizabeth) and an unnamed son died as infants, and her last child, also named Lucy Elizabeth, would die at the age of two of whooping cough. Martha herself lived only four months after the birth of this last child. (http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/martha-wayles-skelton-jefferson)
Wow. Brutal. Her own mother died in childbirth having her. Then from age 18 to her death at age 34, she witnessed the death of her her first husband, and 4 of her 7 kids. Interesting also that there are no known pictures of her.
I am amazed by this type of female fortitude. I'm still a wreck from the death of my dog last year. I felt compelled to give some props to Martha. What about some "founding Mothers"? I vote for Martha Jefferson. +1
Did not know any of this. Need to spend more time in Williamsburg -- umm -- I mean so I can learn more about Thomas Jefferson! Thanks for putting my life in perspective.
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