Thomas Jefferson Loved Martha Wayles

It is not certain how Thomas Jefferson originally met Martha Wayles Skelton. It is possible that they met in Williamsburg when she was married to lawyer and planter Bathurst Skelton, who earlier was a classmate of Jefferson's at William & Mary; possibly at a social engagement that Bathurst and she attended in Williamsburg; or at the home of their  maestro while he and Martha were coming and going from their music lessons. What is certain is that after the mourning of her late husband, and appropriate time had passed, Martha attracted many suitors from the Tidewater society.  She was not without a lack of gentlemen callers, young and old, who sought her hand in marriage.  Thomas Jefferson was one of them, a successful planter and lawyer with his own large practice and a member of the House of Burgesses representing Albemarle County.

When Thomas first came to woo the lovely widow, he was 28 years old, square shouldered, 6' 2 1/2 " tall, and straight bodied. He was lean with a ruddy complexion, reddish hair, hazel eyes, long face, and a high nose. He found Martha especially attractive because of her education and her penchant for music.

Martha, nicknamed "Patty" by her father, was a woman of extraordinary beauty both in form and face. A little above middle height, she was delicate, well poised, gentle, with a queen-like carriage, and graced with a warm-affectionate disposition. Her abundant hair was the most admired shade of auburn. Her complexion was fair, her hazel eyes large and expressive.  "Patty" was charming, had a delicate singing voice, and played the pianoforte with uncommon skill. She possessed habits of good society, was a gracious hostess, and industrious housewife, and knew much about raising children.  She sewed, spinned, knitted, and enjoyed making soap and candles.Thomas and Martha delighted in stimulating conversation and discussing popular classics in front of a crackling fire.

As their courtship progressed, on February 20, 1771, Thomas Jefferson commissioned the purchase of a German clavichord for Martha. Before it was scheduled to be shipped, he wrote Thomas Adams in London requesting him to order a pianoforte instead. At first, he was worried that his strong feelings toward Martha were not mutual, and expressed his concerns to their mutual friend, Mrs. Drummond. In a letter dated March 12, 1771, Mrs. Drummond states that Martha had "good sense, and good nature"...and that she suspected that Martha's heart was already "engaged".

Writing to his friend, Thomas Jefferson states, "In every scheme of happiness she is placed in the foreground of the picture, as the principal figure. Take that away and it is no picture for me." Thomas Jefferson had become enamored with Martha and could hardly imagine life without her.

On June 10, 1771, Martha's 4-year old son with Bathurst Skelton died of fever. Allowing Martha to have the necessary time to grieve his loss just a few years after losing her first husband, Thomas Jefferson respectfully asked Martha's father, John Wayles, for her hand in marriage, and was given the blessing. At the proper time, Jefferson respectfully asked Martha for her hand in marriage, and, to his delight, she accepted.

In late December 1771, Thomas Jefferson visited Martha's childhood home, The Forrest, to visit Martha and her relatives. While there, Francis Eppes, the husband of Martha's step sister Elizabeth, drew up the marriage bond, and they both signed it on December 23rd. One week later, Thomas purchased the marriage license in Williamsburg, then returned to The Forest to help Martha prepare for their wedding.

On January 1, 1772, Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Skelton were wed. Martha's ailing father hosted the elaborate holiday affair in grand and liberal style. Fiddlers were hired and many tables were spread out for scores of guests inside the mansion. Anglican ministers Rev. Davis and Rev. Coutts performed the ceremony, but Rev. Davis effectually tied the knot.

After a hearty breakfast on the morning of January 18, 1772, the newlyweds bid farewell to their relatives at The Forest, and departed in their 2-horse drawn covered phaeton for Monticello, as a light snow began to fall.

Excerpts from book Thomas Jefferson-From Boy to Man. To read about Thomas and Martha Jefferson's memorable travels from The Forest to Monticello in the dead of winter, read Thomas Jefferson-From Boy to Man by Jayne D'Alessandro-Cox.

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