1. Thomas Jefferson was born April 13, 1743. His home was among the mountains of Central Virginia on a farm, called Shadwell, 150 miles northwest of Williamsburg.
2. His father's name was Peter Jefferson. His ancestors were Welsh people. Like George Washington, he learned the art of surveying. He was a superb specimen of a Virginia landholder, being a giant in frame, and having the strength of three strong men.
3. One of his father's favorite maxims was, "Never ask another to do for you what you can do for yourself."
4. His mother's name was Jane Randolph. She was a noble woman. Thomas Jefferson derived his temper, his disposition, his sympathy with living nature from his mother.
5. He was very fond of the violin, as were a great many of the Virginia people. During twelve years of his life, he practiced on that instrument three hours a day.
6. He early learned to love the Indians from his acquaintance with many of their best chiefs. He held them in great regard during his life.
7. His father died in 1757, when Thomas was but fourteen years of age. The son always spoke of his father with pride and veneration.
8. He entered William and Mary College in the spring of 1760, when he was seventeen years old.
9. After two years of college life he began the study of law in 1763.
10. When he came of age in April, 1764, he signalized the event by planting a beautiful avenue of trees near his house.