Peter Jefferson: Planter, Cartographer, and Father to a President
Peter Jefferson (February 29, 1708 – August 17, 1757) was a prominent figure in 18th-century colonial Virginia, best known for his work as a planter, cartographer, and the father of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.
Early Life and Family
Born in present-day Chesterfield County, Virginia at a settlement called Osbornes along the James River, Peter Jefferson was the son of Captain Thomas Jefferson, a notable property owner, and Mary Field, whose family included members of the Virginia House of Burgesses. After the death of his mother when he was eight, Peter was raised in a family with several siblings, including Judith, Thomas, and Field Jefferson.
Marriage and Children
Peter Jefferson married Jane Randolph in 1739, a union that produced ten children, among them the future President, Thomas Jefferson. Jane Randolph belonged to a notable family with ties to the English gentry.
Career and Achievements
Peter Jefferson's influence extended beyond his family life. He was a successful planter and a skilled surveyor, which led him to participate in significant cartographic work. In collaboration with Joshua Fry, he created the "Fry-Jefferson Map" in 1757. This map was pioneering in its accurate depiction of the Allegheny Mountains and showed vital routes, including "The Great Road from the Yadkin River through Virginia to Philadelphia," which became known as the Great Wagon Road.
His contributions were crucial in mapping the southbound route of the Trading Path from Petersburg, Virginia to Old Hawfields, North Carolina and beyond. This work was instrumental in the expansion and development of colonial infrastructure.
Legacy
Peter Jefferson's legacy is inseparably linked with that of his son, Thomas Jefferson. The Jefferson family estate, Shadwell, Virginia, was established by Peter and remained a significant part of the family's history. His influence is evident not only through his cartographic accomplishments but also in shaping the environment and ethos in which Thomas Jefferson grew up, ultimately influencing his philosophical and political outlook.