"T" Is For Thomas Jefferson, A Hero in Virginia and America

Jefferson statue, Jefferson Hotel - MMSikes

In considering my post for the letter "T", I thought of a lot of possibilities. As the Passenger to Paradise, I've gotten quite involved with "T" words researching the Maya Ruins at Tulum and Tikal for my WIP set in the jungles of Central America. But I kept coming back to the man who meant so much to both Virginia and American history.

Thomas Jefferson attended one of my alma maters, the College of William and Mary. He was the founder of the University of Virginia, and he designed and built historic Monticello.  He drafted the Declaration of Independence, served as the nation's third president--the list goes on and on. One of the most interesting facts in Jefferson's life was the date of his death, July 4, 1826. Jefferson and John Adams, second president of the United States, both died on that date. Both were deeply involved in creation of the Declaration of Independence and were signers. They died on the nation's 50th birthday. How ironic!

Historical Look at the Randolph Family in Virginia

Several months ago, I purchased The Randolph Women and Their Men by Ruth Doumlele. Since I don't often read historical or biographical prose, it has taken a while for me to open this book. But now that I have, I am captivated. Ruth Doumlele spent many years of her life researching this project which chronicles the years 1787 - 1816 in the history of the Randolph family in Virginia. So far I have been amazed to discover the relationship of the Randolphs to so many famous historical figures including Thomas Jefferson. I never realized the connection of communities such as Varina and Tuckahoe to Virginia history.

After I finish reading this book, I plan to post a more complete review. In the meantime, I wish to compliment Ruth Doumlele, a fellow member of the Richmond Branch National League of American Pen Women, on the amazing research she put into making this book project a reality.