Page "Thomas Jefferson" Paragraph 10

After her father John Wayles died in 1773, Martha and her husband Jefferson inherited his 135 slaves, and the debts of his estate.

These took Jefferson and other co-executors of the estate years to pay off, which contributed to his financial problems.

Later in life, Martha Jefferson suffered from diabetes and ill health, and frequent childbirth further weakened her.

A few months after the birth of her last child, Martha, age 33, died on September 6, 1782.

Jefferson was at his wife's bedside and was distraught after her death.

In the following three weeks, Jefferson shut himself in his room, where he paced back and forth until he was nearly exhausted.

Later he would often take long rides on secluded roads to mourn for his wife.

As he had promised his wife, Jefferson never remarried.