At Monticello in 1808, Eston Hemings, the youngest son of Sally and Thomas Jefferson, was born into the complicated and cruel world of slavery. Besides survival, his life is about resilience, change, and freedom. This page discusses his life, accomplishments, and relevance to historical narratives that define American history.
1. Early Life at Monticello
Jefferson’s Monticello residence in Virginia hosted Eston Hemings’ birth on May 21, 1808. He was the youngest of six children born to Sally Hemings, a mixed-race enslaved woman, and Thomas Jefferson, the third US president. Eston was born into slavery, although many historians think Jefferson fathered Sally Hemings’ children.
2. Growing Up in Slavery
As a child, Eston Hemings lived at Monticello and was raised alongside his siblings in the environment of enslavement. Despite the oppressive conditions, Eston and his family were afforded certain privileges compared to other enslaved individuals. For instance, they were trained in specific skills such as carpentry and other trades, which would later influence Eston’s career choices.
3. Freedom After Jefferson’s Death
After Thomas Jefferson’s death in 1826, Eston and his siblings were freed. Jefferson’s will granted freedom to his children born to Sally Hemings, although it was a complicated and delayed process. The Hemings family, once enslaved at Monticello, became free individuals, but they still faced numerous challenges in adapting to life as free people in a racially segregated society.
4. Eston Hemings’ Move to Ohio
The Hemings family migrated to Ohio in the early 1830s. He made a big change from the South to a more free state with distinct racial dynamics. He presumably moved to start over and escape slavery. Ohio offered Eston a more integrated environment for his children than Virginia.
5. Career as a Musician
One of Eston Hemings’ most notable achievements was his career as a musician. He became known for his talents as a violinist and performer. His work in music allowed him to integrate into communities in Ohio and Wisconsin, further establishing himself as a free man of considerable skill and respect.
6. Family Life: Marriage and Children
Eston Hemings married Julia Ann Isaacs in 1832, a woman of African descent who had also experienced the hardships of slavery. Together, they had three children: John Wayles Jefferson, Beverly Frederick Jefferson, and Anna Wayles Hemings Jefferson. Eston’s family life was one that broke away from the past of slavery, allowing his children the freedom to receive an education and pursue careers that were unimaginable for their enslaved ancestors.
7. Migration to Wisconsin
Eston and his family migrated to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1852. Eston presumably moved to Wisconsin because of its northern potential while it was free. Eston spent his final years in Madison, contributing to his community via employment and family.
8. Eston Hemings’ Death
Eston Hemings passed away on January 3, 1856, at the age of 47. His death marked the end of a remarkable life that had transitioned from slavery to freedom, from poverty to professional success, and from obscurity to becoming a subject of historical interest. His burial took place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin, a final resting place that would later become a site of historical importance.
9. Legacy and Historical Significance
Eston Hemings’ life narrative highlights the complexities of American history, notably slavery and its victims. Eston established his own personality and legacy in the shadow of his father, Thomas Jefferson. His music career and family move to Wisconsin show his ability to overcome his upbringing.
10. Eston Hemings’ Net Worth and Impact
While there is no concrete record of Eston Hemings’ exact net worth, his professional success as a musician and his role as the head of a family suggest that he had a reasonable income for the time. Unlike many former enslaved individuals, Eston’s ability to support his family and contribute to his community in Madison is a testament to his determination and skill. His life, however, is not measured solely in terms of net worth. Eston Hemings’ true legacy lies in his resilience, his ability to break free from the chains of his past, and the opportunities he provided for his descendants, who went on to live in a world much different from the one in which Eston was born.
Eston Hemings’ story reminds us that even in the darkest chapters of history, individuals like him can find ways to carve out their own path, and in doing so, leave an indelible mark on history.
FAQ
Who was Eston Hemings?
Eston Hemings was the youngest son of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. Born into slavery at Monticello, he later gained his freedom after Jefferson’s death and became a musician.
What did Eston Hemings do after he was freed?
After gaining freedom, Eston moved to Ohio, where he became a professional musician. He later relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he lived out his life.
How many children did Eston Hemings have?
Eston Hemings had three children with his wife, Julia Ann Isaacs: John Wayles Jefferson, Beverly Frederick Jefferson, and Anna Wayles Hemings Jefferson.
Where is Eston Hemings buried?
Eston Hemings is buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin, where his grave has become a significant historical site.
What is Eston Hemings’ legacy?
Eston Hemings’ legacy is defined by his resilience in overcoming slavery, his professional success, and the opportunities he provided for his descendants.