Jefferson did not marry until he was twenty-nine. He had previously stated that he was not interested in marriage because, “[m]any and great are the comforts of a single state.” He was known for numerous romances through-out his youth. However, he did eventually settle down with Martha Wayles Skelton.

Martha Wayles Skelton

Martha was an extremely wealthy widow who doubled Jefferson's holdings. They moved into Monticello, a home that was built on land that he had inherited from his father. Unfortunately, only two of their six children lived to maturity: Martha “Patsy” and Mary “Polly.” Jefferson's wife, Martha, died in 1782 after only ten years of marriage. He was distraught and never remarried.

Bachelor President

When Jefferson became president, he did not have a first lady. Instead, his two daughters, along with Dolley Madison, filled the role of first lady. The function of the first lady is to act as official hostess at state functions, organize events, and meet with the wives of visiting dignitaries. Dolley Madison was the wife of one of Jefferson's good friends, the future president James Madison. She was known as a fabulous hostess and, in fact, often accompanied Jefferson to the more formal affairs of his presidency. Jefferson also helped out by choosing food and entertainment for dinner parties.

Sally Hemings

Over the years, many have claimed that Thomas Jefferson had a longstanding relationship with Sally Hemings, one of his slaves. Sally was the child of a slave, Elizabeth Hemings, and Jefferson's father-in-law, John Wayles. In 1787, Sally accompanied Jefferson's daughter Mary when Mary went to Paris to join her father. Some claim this is when the relationship between Hemings and Jefferson began.

Sally had six children, and it has been proven that there was a window of opportunity for Jefferson to have been the father of each of them. Further, DNA tests have shown that Jefferson could have been the father of the children.