Facts about Martha Jefferson Randolph: Fact Sheet of Martha Jefferson Randolph Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson Randolph, First Lady of the United States of America. Facts about Martha Jefferson Randolph: Fast Overview of Events in the White House Facts and Info: Martha Jefferson Randolph assumed the position of First Lady as the beloved daughter of President Thomas Jefferson. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included drafting the Declaration of Independence, victory in the Barbary Wars and the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 with France which doubled the size of the United States. Personality and Character: Martha Jefferson Randolph Quotes Facts and Info: An insight into the personal views, character and personality of this First Lady may be obtained from the following Martha Jefferson Randolph quotes: "Time wastes too fast. Every letter I trace tells me with what rapidity life follows my pen. The days and hours of it are flying over our heads like clouds of a windy day never to return more - everything passes on
" "...cherished companion of his youth and the nurse of his old age". Facts about Martha Jefferson Randolph: Her Nickname "Daughter of Montecello" or Pet Name "Patsy" Facts and Info: This First Lady's full name was Martha Wayles Skelton but she was called by the pet name "Patsy" by her family, friends and husband. The high usage of the name Martha led to pet names. Matty was the first to be used for Martha, which in turn led to Patty and then Patsy. Martha is also referred to as the "Daughter of Montecello" because she was the favorite daughter of Thomas Jefferson and was born and raised in Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia. Monticello was the name of the Jefferson plantation which consisted of some 5,000 acres and pictured on the reverse of the $2 bill that was issued in 1953. Facts about Martha Jefferson Randolph: First Events Facts and Info: Martha Jefferson Randolph was the 1st First Lady who assumed the role as the daughter of the President. Facts about the Causes and Accomplishments of Martha Jefferson Randolph Facts and Info: First Ladies are not elected so have no official role. Their accomplishments are therefore based on their own particular wishes that ranged from political interests, humanitarian and charitable causes or duties relating to their family or social responsibilities. The causes and accomplishments of Martha Jefferson Randolph were demonstrated in her support for the education of girls. She also led a Washington effort to support the Lewis and Clark with the donation of items necessary for their exploration of the west. Facts about Martha Jefferson Randolph: The Life of Martha Jefferson Randolph Facts and Info: Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph (1772-1836) was the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. Her father, Thomas Jefferson married her mother, Martha Wayles Skelton, on New Year's Day in 1772. They had 6 children but only Martha and her younger sister Mary survived to adulthood. On her death bed, only 12 years after their marriage, her mother asked her father to promise that he would never re-marry. Thomas Jefferson kept his promise which led to a thirty-eight year relationship with his mixed-race slave Sally Hemings with whom he fathered 6 children. A difficult situation (but not unusual for the times) for the young Martha to cope with. Unlike many girls of the time Martha and her sister were extremely well educated in Philadelphia and Paris. As she grew older Martha took on the role as the lady of the house at Montecello and became extremely close to her father. Her father's political connections ensured that Martha mixed with the great American and European leaders of the day. She grew into a highly intelligent, graceful and sophisticated woman of the age. Martha married her third cousin, Thomas Mann Randolph, at the Monticello plantation on February 23, 1790. The couple raised 11 living children. Her marriage was not a particularly happy one, her husband liked to drink and had a volatile personality. She supported her brilliant father's political ambitions. He was elected President and served in office from March 4, 1801 to March 4, 1809. Martha assumed the role of First Lady in 1801-1803 & 1805-1806. She died on October 10, 1836 in Albemarle County, Virginia, aged 64. She was buried alongside her husband and father at Monticello. |