Thomas Jefferson

Profession: 3rd US President and Founding Father

Nationality:

Political Party: Democratic-Republican
Political Titles: Vice President, United States Secretary of State, Governor of Virgina

Presidential Term: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1809
Preceded By: John Adams
Succeeded By: James Madison

Biography: Thomas Jefferson has engraved on his tombstone the three actions in his life he was most proud of "Author of the Declaration of American Independence of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia", leaving out his term of office as President.

Born into a sale owning family of wealth and standing, Jefferson trained and practised as a lawyer. In 1775 his friendship with John Adams led to a request he draft the Declaration of Independence while attending the Second Continental Congress. The finished draft was presented to Congress in June 1776.

Aged 36 Jefferson was elected Governor of Virginia and later as the Virginian representative in Congress. Jefferson spent 5 years as US Minister to France in Paris and on his return was appointed the first US Secretary of State by President Washington.

Jefferson became Vice-president in 1797 and was elected 3rd US President in 1800. As President he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and encouraged efforts to expand towards the West. He retired to his estate at Monticello, founding the University of Virginia in 1819.

Born: April 13, 1743
Birthplace: Albemarle County, Virginia, USA
Star Sign: Aries

Died: July 4, 1826 (aged 83)