The love story between Tom and Martha is so beautiful and enduring that it will be difficult to put any feeling into it in these few words. Jefferson was a young lawyer in Virginia, having earned his degree after 5 studious years. He graduated from William and Mary College in Williamsburg. His mentor was William Wythe, one of the signers of Tom’s Declaration of Independence.

Tom was good friends with Patrick Henry and they sometimes socialized together at dances and parties in Williamsburg. They both played the violin—sometimes at these get-togethers. And both were members of the House of Burgesses.

Sometime in 1771, Tom began courting the young beauty, Martha Wayles Skelton. Martha was the daughter of John Wayles, who was also a successful lawyer.

Martha is described as being very beautiful, of medium height, a lithe figure, and as being a model of a graceful and queen like carriage. She was well educated, was a constant reader, and had a talent for music—all of which attracted her to Thomas Jefferson.

When they began their courtship, Martha was already a widow. She had been married to Bathurst Skelton when she was only 18. She had their child when she was 19. Bathurst died when she was 20. After a suitable period of mourning, Martha had several suitors vying for her favours. She took a liking to Thomas Jefferson because of his education, love of reading, and his musical talents. She should go on to choose Tom, despite several other more handsome men hoping for her attention.

Tom had taken violin lessons from the same man who had taught Martha to play the harpsichord. The two played music together. Sometimes Tom even sang to Martha’s accompaniment.

Tom enjoyed his conversations with Martha’s father, John Wayles, a wealthy plantation owner. Tom also loved to play with Martha’s young son, John, and looked forward to becoming John’s stepfather. That wasn’t to be as John took ill and died before they were married.
Tom and Martha were married on New Year’s Day, 1772. Martha was 24 and Tom was 29. The Skelton house was filled with guests to honor this couple. The wedding festivities lasted for days. It was not until January 18, that Tom and Martha began their trip to Jefferson’s only partially built home, Monticello.

More on that tomorrow!