Martha Jefferson Randolph

Soon after their marriage, her father Jefferson deeded eight slaves from Monticello as a wedding gift, including Molly Hemings, the eldest daughter of Mary Hemings. Randolph became a politician, serving as state and US representative and later as Governor of Virginia (1819 to 1822).

The couple had twelve children, eleven of whom survived to adulthood:

Martha Randolph educated her children at home, likely with the help of private tutors, as most planters did. Being engrossed with the cares of her large family, she passed only a portion of her time in the White House when her father was president. Read Less

Her eldest son Thomas Randolph acted as executor of the estate. Except for five slaves freed in her father's will, and "giving her time" to Sally Hemings, they sold the remainder of the 130 slaves at Monticello to try to settle the debts. Within a few years, they sold the plantation as well.

After business reverses and the death of her husband, Martha Randolph considered establishing a school. The state legislatures of South Carolina and Virginia each donated $10,000 to her for her support. Read Less