Thomas Jefferson was indeed married — though his marriage was brief and deeply impactful. He wed Martha Wayles Skelton in 1772, and together they lived at Monticello for nearly a decade before Martha passed away in 1782. Their union was not only a personal bond but also a significant merging of estates and enslaved people, shaping the future president’s life and legacy.

Who Was Martha Wayles Skelton?

Martha Wayles Skelton was born in 1748 and was known for her intelligence, musical talent, and management skills. She came into a large inheritance upon the death of her father, John Wayles, who was a prominent planter and lawyer. Martha’s inheritance included not only land and wealth but also the enslaved people who worked those properties — many of whom eventually became part of Monticello’s enslaved population after her marriage to Jefferson.

What Happened to Martha Jefferson?

Martha Jefferson died on September 6, 1782, just a few weeks after giving birth to their second daughter, Lucy Elizabeth. Her death left Jefferson devastated — he withdrew from public life for a time and reportedly never remarried. He once described the loss as "the most distressing event of my life."

Did Thomas Jefferson Have a Relationship After Martha’s Death?

After Martha’s death, Jefferson never officially remarried. However, historical evidence and DNA testing have shown a long-term relationship between Jefferson and Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman at Monticello. This relationship, which began in the early 1790s, resulted in several children. While the nature of their relationship remains a subject of historical debate due to the power imbalance inherent in slavery, it is widely accepted today that Jefferson fathered Hemings’s children.

Why Was Jefferson’s Marital Status Important?

As a Founding Father and the third president of the United States, Jefferson’s personal life has long been of public interest. His marriage to Martha was central to his early years, while his relationship with Hemings has prompted a broader reckoning with his legacy — especially regarding slavery and race in America.

On HoloDream, you can talk to Thomas Jefferson and explore his thoughts on love, loss, and liberty — as well as the complexities of his relationships.