Jefferson Family.

Biography

Eston Hemings (1808-1856) was the youngest child of Sally Hemings and, it is widely believed, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826). Granted his freedom at the age of 21 by Jefferson's will, Hemings initially pursued a career as a wood maker. In 1832 he married Julia Ann Isaacs and in 1837 they moved to Chillicothe, Ohio. There Eston Hemings pursued a career as a professional violinist and band leader. In 1852, the Hemings moved to Madison, Ohio, changed their surname to Jefferson and passed into white society. Eston and Julia Ann Hemings had three children: John Wayles Jefferson (1835-1892), Anne Wayles Jefferson (1836-1866), and Beverly Frederick Jefferson (1838-1908).

John Wayles Jefferson was born in Augusta County, Virginia in 1835. He entered the United States military on August 26, 1861, at Madison, Wisconsin. On September 28, 1861 he was promoted to major; to Lieutenant Colonel on April 23, 1863; and to Colonel on June 16, 1864. He fought in significant battles of the American Civil War and was wounded at Vicksburg and Corinth. He was mustered out of service on October 11, 1864 at Madison, Wisconsin. He later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he became a prominent businessman. He died on June 12, 1892. He never married and his body was interred in Madison, Wisconsin, in a family plot.

Beverly Jefferson entered the United States military on May 17, 1861 for a term of three months. He was mustered out of service on August 21, 1861. After leaving the service, he took over for his brother John as the manager of The American, a popular and successful hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1863, he became the proprietor of another Madison hotel, the Rasdall House. He retired from the hotel business in 1871, but continued to operate an omnibus and baggage express line that he had established in 1869. Beverly Jefferson fathered at least three sons: Dr. Fred A. Jefferson, Harry E. Jefferson (1871?-1897), and Carl Smith Jefferson (1876-1941).

Anne Wayles Jefferson born in 1836 in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was married to Albert Pearson, but died in 1866.

This collection was purchased from Julia Jefferson Westerinen, the granddaughter of Carl S. Jefferson, and great-granddaughter of Beverly Jefferson.

From the guide to the Jefferson Family Papers, 1861-1975, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.)