Isaac Jefferson (1775-c.1850) was the son of Great George and Ursula. George rose from foreman of
labor to become, in 1797, overseer of Monticello--the only slave to hold such a position. His wife,
Ursula, was a household servant purchased at the request of Jefferson's wife, Martha. Ursula was a
pastrycook and laundress and was responsible for the preservation of meat and bottling of cider.
Isaac trained as a blacksmith, and, in the early 1790s, Jefferson took him to Philadelphia--where he could have claimed his freedom-to learn the tinsmithing trade. Isaac's reminiscences, recorded in 1847, reveal that he first learned to make pepper boxes and graters, and then advanced to the more difficult art of making tin cups. When he returned to Monticello he practiced three trades, for he also worked in the Mulberry Row nailery. Isaac was the most efficient nailer in 1796, wasting the least amount of iron nailrod for the highest yield of nails.
In 1847, Isaac Jefferson's recollections of his life were preserved by Rev. Charles Campbell. He recalled turbulent events of the American Revolution, described Monticello's residents and visitors, and vividly captured Thomas Jefferson engaged in domestic activities like reading, gardening, and tinkering. At his death, Isaac Jefferson was reported as bearing "a good character."
Back or forward
Start over or exit
