Читать книгу First Ladies For Dummies - Marcus A. Stadelmann, Marcus A. Stadelmann PhD - Страница 67

Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, almost 19 years after his wife had died. Not having a spouse who could fulfill the social functions, such as hosting parties, that the presidency required, his daughter Martha (see Figure 4-3) became the Lady of the House, taking the place of her mother on several occasions. When she wasn’t available for the festivities, Thomas would ask family friend Dolley Madison to preside over them.

With Martha Jefferson a tradition was established of referring to a spouse of a president, who had died before her husband became president, as First Lady, if the president never got remarried.

Dolley Madison excelled at planning and throwing parties, which became a good foundation for her future role as First Lady (see the next section).

After Thomas Jefferson retired from politics in 1809, he invited his daughter to live with him at his estate, Monticello. Thomas died in 1826, and both he and Martha are buried at Monticello.

Source: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Reproduction number LC-USZ62-25769 (b&w film copy neg.)

FIGURE 4-3: Martha Jefferson Randolph, daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson burned all the letters Martha wrote to him as was common practice then, with the exception of four letters. He wanted to keep their relationship and marriage private. Although there are no contemporary images of Martha Jefferson, she was described by family and friends as graceful, pretty, and very smart.