THOMAS JEFFERSON, ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL PRESIDENTS
Throughout his life, Thomas Jefferson strove to satisfy his innate thirst for knowledge. As a boy, he studied Latin, Greek and French and had a keen interest in the sciences. His aggressive pursuit allowed him to finish his studies at the College of William & Mary within two years. His own collection of books was so extensive that he sold many of them to the Library of Congress in 1814.
Many historians believe that while he attended college, his intense interest in theology, religious studies, and morality, caused him to gravitate to highly influential professors who exposed him to alternate religious philosophies that challenged the beliefs common among the majority of Americans at the time.
IN 1796 JOHN ADAMS DEFEATED THOMAS JEFFERSON IN A BITTERLY CONTESTED AND ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A VERY CLOSE PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Challenging popular religious doctrines became a dominant theme throughout Jefferson’s life. In fact, during his failed attempt to gain the presidency in 1796, his adversaries strongly criticized him and asserted that he was unfit for leadership because of his religious beliefs.
The positive outcome that resulted was Jefferson’s passionate advocacy of religious tolerance. His objective was to sever the ties between the government and individually-held religious beliefs. He asserted that the government had no business dictating or even influencing the relationship between a man and his god.
In his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802 Jefferson wrote:
“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and State.”
FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN THE UNITED STATES BEGAN WITH THOMAS JEFFERSON AND THE "VIRGINIA STATUE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM"
Later Jefferson worked with James Madison to prevent the use of tax dollars in supporting churches in Virginia. He did, however, regularly attend church services and allow provisions for services to be held in government buildings. He did not consider it to be a conflict because all of the services held therein were voluntary and not exclusive. His primary objection was that the intermixing of church and state had necessarily resulted in the associated religious beliefs and practice to become prerequisites for any public office.
In 1786, "The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom," proposed by Jefferson became law. It finalized the complete separation of church and state, and declared that civil rights were unrelated to personal opinions and not of any concern to the government. The freedom of religion, that every American enjoys, was just one of the landmark positions initiated by Thomas Jefferson.
THOMAS JEFFERSON - AUTHOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The statute reads in part:
“No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.”
Although President Jefferson had been fervently criticized for his views in the past, the people gradually came to understand the wisdom behind is assertions and flourished under his leadership.
THE STRIKING ROTUNDA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRIGINIA WAS DESIGNED BY THOMAS JEFFERSON
After retiring from the presidency, Jefferson put much of his efforts into establishing the University of Virginia. He designed the buildings and curriculum and personally recruited highly-qualified faculty. He was very proud of this accomplishment and hoped that it would be a significant part of his legacy.
MONTICELLO - AN EXTRAORDINARY ARCHITECTURAL ACHIEVEMENT & DESIGNED BY THOMAS JEFFERSON
Until today, visitors flock to Jefferson’s Virginia home, the Monticello, to see the majestic architecture and breathtaking features. Jefferson enjoyed entertaining and often invited his friends to his home. The details of his dining room are of particular interest. The elegantly carved chairs and solid wood table remain in place.
JEFFERSON'S HOME AND DINING THERE - MONTICELLO IS A
SIGNIFICANT VIRGINIA ATTRACTION
President Jefferson’s china is a perfect complement to this sophisticated setting. Each piece features a script letter J in the center of a crest topped by a knight’s helmet. The borders are made up of a geometric pattern in medium blue accented in gold. The beautiful design is certainly fitting for such an important figure.
PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON'S 1790s CHINESE EXPORT PRESIDENTIAL CHINA - THE COLLECTION OF RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX
World renowned collector Raleigh DeGeer Amyx has recently acquired pieces from President Thomas Jefferson’s china. One piece of Thomas Jefferson's Porcelain may soon be available for sale. If you are interested in possibly acquiring Jefferson’s "J."china, contact Mr. Amyx.
HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR - RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX - WITHIN HIS LIBRARY
For additional historical facts that may be of interest see: www.AmericanHeritage1.com
Raleigh DeGeer Amyx is an American historian and collector. His full biography can be read on his Wikipedia page.
FOUNDING FATHER THOMAS JEFFERSON SETS THE STAGE FOR EVERY AMERICAN
Until early 1775, most of the early colonists felt that the considerable support provided by King George III was very beneficial and an integral part of their success. In opposition, many had become displeased with aspects of their distant subordinate relationship. For example, they faced excessive taxation, unfair legislation and unwarranted persecution, military action, lack of justice, unreasonable immigration restrictions, and severe limitations of commerce.
These reasons were amplified by rising pressure related to surrounding events. Eventually, the men in power felt that their colonies needed to pursue complete independence from Great Britain.
THIS SMALL CONTINENTAL CONGRESSIONAL COMMMITTEE WAS APPOINTED TO DRAFT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress called for the drafting of a declaration thereof, to be crafted by a committee consisting of the following members: Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and John Adams of Massachusetts.
From among these important figures, Thomas Jefferson was appointed as the chief writer because he was well known for his excellent writing and his previous work of a similar nature in Virginia.
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WHICH REPRESENTS THE SEVERANCE OF TIES TO GREAT BRITAIN AND THE BIRTH OF A NEW NATION
The result of his original draft, after many revisions, became known as the Declaration of Independence, finalized July 4, 1776. This was truly a pivotal moment for the thirteen colonies that were now part of one entity, the United States of America.
MONTICELLO - THE AWE INSPIRING 1770'S HOME OF THOMAS JEFFERSON
Jefferson is remembered well for this accomplishment as well as his many writings about the separation of church and state and rights of men. A famous quotation from the Declaration of Independence is:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These powerful words describe what it means to be an American and it lays a foundation for human rights throughout the world.
PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON HELPED INSPIRE & SCULPT THE CHARACTER OF AMERICAN SOCIETY
Let’s ponder over the impact that the statement “all men are created equal” has over our society today. We have extended this declaration to include every man, woman, and child within our borders. It is the basis for our justice system – no accused criminal shall be treated preferentially or pursued unjustly.
It is ironic that Jefferson includes mention of a Creator because he was especially critical of organized religion, insisting that it was a private matter between a man and his God. His detest was mainly focused on government influence over the church and specific popular doctrines, an opinion which, at that point in history, brought him much criticism from the general public.
THOMAS JEFFERSON, THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, AND DELEGATES MAKE HISTORY AS THEY PARTICIPATE IN THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
But perhaps the most marked American characteristic is the assertion that by mere birth, a person is entitled to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This has certainly taken many shapes and extended meanings during the many eras that America as experienced since 1776. Many of our modern laws and morals echo this sentiment.
In addition to Jefferson's talent as a gifted writer, and his role as the third President of the United States, Jefferson was well known for his Monticello estate. His cherished wife, Martha died at the young age of 33, a few months after giving birth to their last child. Although they had six children, only two daughters lived, and only Martha lived past age 25. Thomas Jefferson was to experience so much heartache.
THE ELEGANT DINING ROOM AT THOMAS JEFFERSON'S LONG-TIME VIRGINIA HOME, THE MONTICELLO
Despite the deep sadness Jefferson felt for the loss of his wife, he still entertained quite a bit at his Monticello estate. One of the great treasures of this period is his private chinese 1790's export china collection which represents a stunning example of simple elegance. The letter "J." is monogramed inside a crest with a knight’s helmet above it. The edges contain a trace of gilt, as well as medium blue geometric design with gold embellishments. Rather stunning.
THOMAS JEFFERSON'S "J." 1790'S CHINESE EXPORT CHINA A FOUNDING FATHER'S ELEGANCE GRACED HIS TABLE FROM THE COLLECTION OF RALEIGH DeGEER AMYX
You may now have the opportunity to own pieces from this historically significant china collection. World-renowned collector, Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, has recently acquired this exceptional treasure. Engage with Mr. Amyx now to inquire about President Thomas Jefferson's fine china, or other rare Presdential pieces that may be available now or in the future.
HISTORIAN & COLLECTOR - RALEIGH DEGEER AMYX
For additional historical facts that may be of interest see: www.AmericanHeritage1.com
Raleigh DeGeer Amyx is an American historian and collector. His full biography can be read on his Wikipedia page.