Mineral To Charlottesville

In Mineral we were surprised to find out that instead of staying in the backyard of the firehouse we were forced to stay in the firehouse.  We awoke to the crashing noise of firemen and paramedics at work.  I made coffee in the  firehouse kitchen and headed out. Heather the prettiest paramedic graciously agreed to be our poster firewoman.  

Delbert, the Assistant Fire Chief,  not portrayed in this photo, opened up his fire station to us and the hospitality of the whole town.  We were treated as special guests.  Before we left Delbert he gave us an alternative route that would get us to Charlottesville in time to tour Jefferson's home.  .  

We weren't sure we would make it to Charlottesville in time to see Jefferson's home.

In Charlottesville we found a hotel near the University of Virginia and downtown.  At the hotel we inquired about Monticello tours.  The clerk told us that their driver could take us there and pick us up later.  Renee our driver dropped us off before 4:00 and we purchased a 4:30 house tour.  It was very interesting but photography was not allowed.  The tour guide looked me right in the eye and said pictures were not allowed in the house.  Well let me tell you they didn't believe their own rules.  There were lots of pictures hanging in every room.  They put them up high so I can't imagine anyone tall enough to take one.  

We also heard a great deal about Sally Hemings.  There was quite a lot of controversy as to whether Jefferson or maybe his brother had been the father of Sally's children.  I don't really believe that there is any question.  I noted a distinct worn path between his back door and her cabin. 

By: Beverly J. Gray

(From Ross County Historical Society Magazine Recorder February 1994 and updated in 1998.)

Sally Hemings was born to Elizabeth Hemings in 1773 on the plantation of her father, John Wayles, a lawyer and slavetrader. Her half sister, Martha Wayles Skelton married Thomas Jefferson in 1772. When John Wayles died in 1774, Martha Wayles Jefferson inherited a portion of her father's slaves. Included in the inheritance was the family of Elizabeth Hemings. Elizabeth Hemings also known as Betty, and John Wayles produced as least seven children together. Sally Hemings was one of the seven. Other children of Betty Hemings were Mary, Martin, Bett (Betty Brown), Nance, Robert, James, Thenia, Crittta, Peter and John. Seven of Elizabeth's children were fathered by John Wayles. They came to Monticello about 1776, Sally was three years of age.

After the death of his wife in 1782, Jefferson went to Europe as the United States Minister to France. Accompanying Jefferson was his daughter, Martha and his slave Jamie Hemings, the brother of Sally. Jefferson intended that Jamie should learn French cookery. In 1785, Jefferson learned of the death of his daughter, Lucy, who was living with an aunt (Elizabeth Eppes) in Virginia, and decided it was time to bring his remaining daughter, Maria, to France. He instructed his sister-in-law, Elizabeth, to select a trusted slave woman to accompany Maria. Sally Hemings, who was approximately 14 years of age at the time, was sent with Maria. Maria and Sally set sail in July, 1787 going first to England where she was met by Abigail Addams then escorted across the channel to France by Jefferson's French butler, Adrien Petit.

Click here for "The rest of the story".

Downtown Charlottesville later we were sitting at the restaurant when Jon yelled "Jerry" out into the crowd.  It was Jerry from the "Biggest loser" on TV. He had met Jerry before I arrived in Williamsburg.  Jerry and his wife Lynn joined us for dinner.  We had a great time and enjoyed their company and stories.  Jerry has a million stories and adventures that will keep us entertained with.  

A Water Fowl taking off

Thomas had a great looking house but it was really high maintenance.

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings