by Edward S Ellis. 1898. 112p

Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, in Central Virginia, where he grew up on a farm called Shadwell. He became a prominent figure during the American Revolution, authoring significant documents such as the "Draft of Instructions" in 1774 and the Declaration of Independence, which articulated the colonies' desire for freedom and individual rights. His intellectual contributions, particularly through his work "Notes on Virginia" in 1784, garnered international attention and established him as a leading thinker of his time.

As a political leader, Jefferson was a staunch advocate for democracy and individual liberties. He opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts, viewing them as direct threats to the principles of democracy and free speech. Jefferson believed in the importance of majority rule as a means to protect individual rights, emphasizing that a government should reflect the will of the people while safeguarding their freedoms.

In addition to his political endeavors, Jefferson was also a gentleman farmer who experimented with various agricultural practices on his estate. His vision for America included a government that was frugal and simple, relying on a militia for defense rather than a standing army, and promoting free commerce with all nations. Jefferson's legacy as a Founding Father and his commitment to the ideals of liberty and democracy continue to influence American society today.