4103. JEFFERSON (Thomas), Marriage.—
On the 1st of January, 1772, I was married to Martha Skelton, widow of
Bathurst Skelton, and daughter of John
Wayles, then twenty-three years old. Mr.
Wayles was a lawyer of much practice, to
which he was introduced more by his great
industry, punctuality and practical readiness
than by eminence in the science of his profession.
He was a most agreeable companion,
full of pleasantry and good humor, and
welcomed in every society. He acquired a
handsome fortune, and died in May, 1773,
leaving three daughters: the portion which
came on that event to Mrs. Jefferson, after
the debts should be paid, which were very
considerable, was about equal to my own
patrimony, and consequently doubled the ease
of our circumstances.—
Autobiography. Washington ed. i, 4.
Ford ed., i, 5.
(1821)
