Mary Jefferson Eppes, known as Polly as a child and Maria as an adult, was the fourth child of Thomas Jefferson, the third US president, and Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson. Her family’s political importance and personal tragedies shaped Mary’s brief existence. This article discusses Mary Jefferson Eppes’ childhood, marriage, children, and tragic death.
1. Early Life and Family Background
Mary Jefferson, the second daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, was born at Monticello in Virginia on August 1, 1778. Martha “Patsy” Jefferson, her older sister, was born 1772. The family’s wealthy position and her father’s political rise impacted Mary’s childhood. When Mary was four, her mother, Martha, died in 1782, causing her and her siblings great turmoil.
2. The Loss of Her Mother
Martha Jefferson’s death in 1782 was a pivotal moment in Mary’s life. At the time, Mary was sent to live with her aunt, Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, in order to receive care and stability. This separation from her father and her home at Monticello was emotionally difficult, but it also allowed Mary to be closer to extended family members who would influence her upbringing.
3. Education and Early Years at Monticello
Although Mary spent much of her childhood away from Monticello, she received an education typical for girls of her social status at the time. Under the guidance of her father and various tutors, she was taught subjects such as literature, history, and languages. Her education was important to Thomas Jefferson, who valued intellectual development and saw his children as extensions of his philosophical ideals.
4. Marriage to John Wayles Eppes
At 19, Mary Jefferson married her cousin John Wayles Eppes on October 13, 1797. As the son of Thomas Jefferson’s father-in-law, John Wayles, John was distant. Since the Eppes family was well-established in Virginia, the marriage was personal and strategic. John was a powerful politician, and the union strengthened his Virginia elite political connections.
5. Motherhood and Family Life
Mary Jefferson Eppes and John Wayles Eppes had three children during their marriage: Francis W. Eppes, Maria Jefferson Eppes, and a daughter who did not survive infancy. The Eppes family lived at the Eppes estate, called “Appomattox,” not far from Monticello. As a mother, Mary was devoted to her children, although her maternal role was complicated by frequent health issues and her own personal grief.
6. Health Struggles
Throughout her life, Mary struggled with her health. After giving birth to her first child, Francis, in 1799, she experienced frequent illnesses, which impacted her ability to care for her growing family. These health problems would eventually lead to complications during her final pregnancy and contribute to her untimely death.
7. The Tragic Death of Mary Jefferson Eppes
Mary Jefferson Eppes died on April 17, 1804, at the age of 25, just days after giving birth to her third child. Her death was the result of complications from childbirth, and it deeply affected her family, particularly her father, Thomas Jefferson. It was a devastating loss, as Mary had been one of the few surviving children of the Jefferson family.
8. Aftermath and Impact on Thomas Jefferson
The death of his daughter was one of the most heart-wrenching events in Thomas Jefferson’s life. He had already lost his wife and several of his children, and now Mary’s passing left a profound emotional void. In his letters, Jefferson expressed deep sorrow over her death, acknowledging the loss of not just a daughter but a beloved confidante.
9. Mary Jefferson Eppes’s Legacy
Although Mary Jefferson Eppes lived only a short life, her legacy endures through her children and the continued prominence of the Jefferson family. Her son, Francis W. Eppes, went on to have a distinguished career in Virginia politics, and the Eppes family remained influential for generations. Mary’s life and her family’s historical importance are integral to understanding the complexities of Thomas Jefferson’s personal and political legacy.
10. Mary’s Relationship with Her Father
Mary’s relationship with her father, Thomas Jefferson, was a significant aspect of her life. Despite the physical distance created by her mother’s death, they maintained a close correspondence. Jefferson often wrote to her, offering advice and expressing concern for her well-being. Their relationship was filled with love and mutual respect, as evidenced by the many letters exchanged between them.
11. The Tragic Pattern of Jefferson’s Family
Mary Jefferson Eppes’s death is part of a larger pattern of personal tragedy in Thomas Jefferson’s family. In addition to the loss of his wife and multiple children, Jefferson also had to cope with the complicated legacy of his relationship with Sally Hemings, a slave at Monticello. These personal losses and familial complexities add layers of human depth to Jefferson’s public persona as a statesman.
12. Remembering Mary Jefferson Eppes
Today, Mary Jefferson Eppes is remembered as a key figure in the Jefferson family history, not only for her role as Thomas Jefferson’s daughter but also for the personal challenges she faced during her short life. Her story is one of love, loss, and the pressures of being part of an influential family. Her legacy continues to be an essential part of the broader narrative of American history.
In conclusion, Mary Jefferson Eppes was a remarkable woman whose life was shaped by personal loss, family ties, and the political legacy of her father. Though her time on earth was brief, her story is woven into the fabric of early American history and continues to be remembered today.
FAQ
Who was Mary Jefferson Eppes?
Mary Jefferson Eppes was the younger daughter of Thomas Jefferson and his wife Martha Wayles Skelton. She was born on August 1, 1778, and died at the age of 25 on April 17, 1804.
What happened to Mary Jefferson Eppes?
Mary Jefferson Eppes died from complications after childbirth. She had three children with her husband, John Wayles Eppes, and only one son, Francis W. Eppes, survived childhood.
Who did Mary Jefferson Eppes marry?
Mary married her cousin, John Wayles Eppes, on October 13, 1797. He was a prominent Virginia politician.
What was Mary Jefferson Eppes’s relationship with her father like?
Mary had a close and affectionate relationship with her father, Thomas Jefferson. They exchanged letters frequently, and Jefferson expressed deep sorrow upon her untimely death.