Founding Father Facts – Thomas Jefferson

jemmymadison316:

• Jefferson believed that no less than two hours a day should be spent exercising, regardless of the weather. He believed the rainier and colder the better.
• Which is a little strange, considering he thought France was cold in July and always kept a fire burning.
• Jefferson did indeed suffer a migraine after a failed attempt to woo a crush. He would continue to suffer migraines throughout his life after stressful social situations
• Music was a big part of Jefferson’s life. He especially enjoyed playing the violin.
• Jefferson didn’t function for months after his wife died. He would take his daughter, Patsy, out riding with him for hours.
• Having the Declaration of Independence edited by a large group was torture for Jefferson. He took each change personally.
• Jefferson once said that sex was “the strongest of the human passions.”
• Jefferson thought sheepdogs “the most careful intelligent dogs in the world” and brought back a pregnant Briard from France.
• Jefferson loved horses, but not one with strong personalities. He liked to have control. He also liked to ride fast. When riding in a carriage, he would often take the reins from his driver so he could go faster.
• Jefferson liked quiet but not silence. He would often hum or sing to himself. He kept pet mockingbirds and would let them fly around his room at Monticello or his office at the White House.
• Madison and Jefferson were described as: being closer than brothers, having no restraint with each other, and as Jefferson loving Madison more than a father could love a son.
• An anonymous person once wrote of Jefferson: “I think you ought to get a damn kicking, you red-headed son of a bitch. You are a pretty fellow to be President of the United States of America, you dirty scoundrel.”
• Jefferson hated the formality of Washingon and Adams’ presidency and would thus host dinners where everyone could sit where they pleased and forbade tedious toasts to each other’s health.
• Many visitors made comments about Jefferson’s old slippers that he wore whenever he pleased.
• Jefferson was a huge nature lover and very interested in science. He had skins and bones sent to him and had collections at Monticello and the White House.
• Meriwether Lewis was Jefferson’s secretary during his early presidency.
• Like Madison, Jefferson always read before bed and didn’t sleep much.
• In the winter, Jefferson liked to spend evenings with his grandchildren and teach them silly games.
• One of Sally Hemings’ sons was named Madison. (Jefferson was likely the father).
• Because of his tutor, Jefferson spoke French with a Scottish accent and worked hard to lose it.
• As a young adult, Jefferson hated returning home from college and having to put up with his mother’s parties. He would often shut himself away in his room and write letters to his friends.
• He was addicted to buying books, but he was very picky about the edition, types of paper and binding.
• Jefferson smuggled contraband rice out of Italy to grow in Virginia.
• Because he was always cold, Jefferson preferred to dress for comfort, especially while working long days in the drafty White House.

Sources: Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham / Thomas Jefferson: A Life by Willard Sterne Randall