Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, had six children with his wife, Martha Wayles Jefferson. However, there have long been rumors and controversy about his relationship with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman who was owned by Jefferson’s father-in-law and later by Jefferson himself. The most widely accepted belief is that Jefferson had a sexual relationship with Hemings and fathered children with her while she was his slave.
Sally Hemings was likely born in 1773, and she was the daughter of Elizabeth Hemings, who was enslaved by the Wayles family. After Martha Wayles Jefferson died in 1782, Jefferson took Hemings with him to Paris when he was serving as a diplomat. Hemings was 14 at the time, and she served as a companion and maid to Jefferson’s younger daughter, Maria.
It was during this time in Paris that Jefferson is believed to have begun his relationship with Hemings. She returned to the United States with Jefferson in 1789, and there is evidence to suggest that they had at least one child together while they were in Paris.
Over the next several years, Hemings gave birth to several children who were believed to have been fathered by Jefferson. Their names were Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston. The first two children, Beverly and Harriet, were born while Jefferson was serving as vice president under John Adams. Madison and Eston were born after Jefferson became president in 1801.
The evidence of Jefferson’s relationship with Hemings is largely circumstantial, as there are no surviving letters or documents that provide concrete proof. However, the evidence includes the fact that Hemings and her children were allowed to live in relative freedom at Monticello, Jefferson’s estate, and that their living arrangements were similar to those of Jefferson’s other children.
In addition, there is a strong physical resemblance between Jefferson’s known descendants and Hemings’ children. This was confirmed in 1998 when DNA testing was conducted on the descendants of Hemings and Jefferson’s paternal uncle, as well as on descendants of Jefferson’s other relatives. The DNA evidence supported the conclusion that Jefferson was likely the father of Hemings’ children.
In conclusion, it is believed that Thomas Jefferson fathered six children with his wife, Martha Wayles Jefferson. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that he also fathered at least six children with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman who was owned by Jefferson. The exact number of children and the extent of Jefferson’s relationship with Hemings may never be known for certain, but the evidence that has been gathered suggests that the rumors and controversy surrounding their relationship are likely true.
