Jane Randolph Jefferson

Jane Randolph Jefferson was born on February 10, 1720, at Shakspear Walk in Shadwell, a maritime village located approximately one mile east of the Tower of London. She was the daughter of Isham Randolph, a ship's captain and planter, and Jane Rogers. Her parents were married in 1717 at St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate in London. The Randolph family resided in London and owned an estate in Goochland County, Virginia. Jane was baptized at St Paul’s Church in Shadwell on February 25, 1720.

In October 1725, Jane’s family relocated to Virginia, where her sister Mary was born in Williamsburg. Jane was the oldest of eight children and was educated at home, receiving instruction typical of her social class in the 18th century. Raised in the Anglican faith, her family was described by a merchant in 1737 as "a very gentle, well-dressed people."

On October 3, 1739, Jane Randolph married Peter Jefferson in Goochland County, Virginia. It is possible that their marriage took place at her father’s plantation, Dungeness. After their marriage, they initially resided at Peter Jefferson’s plantation and house known as Fine Creek Manor in present-day Powhatan County, Virginia. Around 1741 or 1742, they established a home along the Rivanna River, which they named Shadwell, reflecting Jane’s London birthplace. In 1745, following the death of William Randolph, Jane and Peter moved to Tuckahoe Plantation to raise the Randolph children. They later returned to Shadwell in 1752.

Jane and Peter Jefferson’s lifestyle was considered cultured and prosperous. They enjoyed good dietware, entertainment, literature, music, and social dancing. Jane was known for her intelligence, financial management skills, and her ability to oversee household affairs. She was also recognized for her amiable and affectionate disposition.

Peter Jefferson died in 1757, leaving Jane to inherit the Shadwell estate, which at the time comprised approximately 2,750 acres, 66 slaves, and household staff, including laborers. Following his death, Jane managed the household and raised their children. Their eldest son, Thomas Jefferson, assumed responsibilities for the estate and business operations. In 1770, a fire destroyed the main house at Shadwell, prompting Jane to build a smaller replacement. By 1773, her son Thomas had taken responsibility for her debts, providing deeds to her remaining slaves when she was unable to reimburse him.

Jane Randolph Jefferson's health declined in her later years, leading to periodic medical treatment and convalescence at Monticello. Her final years were marred by the strains of the American Revolutionary War. She died suddenly from apoplexy on March 31, 1776, at the age of 56. She was buried in the Monticello family graveyard.

Jane and Peter Jefferson had several children: Jane Jefferson (1740–1765), Mary Jefferson Bolling (1741–1803), Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), Elizabeth Jefferson (1744–1774), Martha Jefferson Carr (1746–1811), Peter Field Jefferson (1748–1748), an unnamed son (1750–1750), Lucy Jefferson Lewis (1752–1810), Anne Scott Jefferson (1755–1828), and Randolph Jefferson (1755–1815). Many of her children married and held notable positions, particularly Thomas Jefferson, who became the third president of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with his mother has been subject to historical discussion, with evidence indicating reverence and influence, including her role in his education, cultural development, and religious beliefs. She significantly impacted his upbringing, as reflected in family remembrances and biographical accounts.