Who Was Sally Hemings?
There is a lot of mystery surrounding Sally Hemings, the slave who was reportedly mistress to President Thomas Jefferson. Some say that she was his lover, while others claim that she was just a caretaker for his children.
No one really knows the truth about their relationship, but what we do know is that Sally Hemings played an important role in American history. In this article, we will take a closer look at her life and explore some of the theories about her relationship with Thomas Jefferson.
Early Life
Sally Hemings was born in 1773, most likely in Virginia. She was the daughter of Betty Hemings, a slave, and John Wayles, Jefferson's father-in-law. Sally had six siblings, two of whom were half-siblings fathered by John Wayles.
In 1776, when Sally was just three years old, her father died. Her mother Betty married John Reynolds, another slave owner. As a result of this marriage, Sally gained five more half-siblings.
When she was 14 years old, Sally was chosen to accompany Jefferson's daughter Martha to Paris. This is where she met Thomas Jefferson for the first time. It is unclear what happened between them during their time in Paris, but some believe that their relationship began at this time.
Hemings in Paris
Sally Hemings spent several years in Paris. During this time, she lived in Jefferson's household and served as a maid to his daughter Martha.
While in Paris, Sally received an education. She was taught how to read and write by Jefferson's daughters, and she also learned how to speak French.
Some believe that her time in Paris had a profound effect on her, and that it was during this period that she developed a relationship with Thomas Jefferson.
Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson
When they returned to America, Sally became a servant in Jefferson's household. It is thought that she bore six children by Jefferson, four of whom survived to adulthood.
There is no direct evidence that Jefferson fathered any of Sally's children, but many historians believe that he was the father of at least some of them. DNA tests have shown that one of her sons, Eston Hemings, had DNA similar to that of Jefferson's known descendants.
Resemblance to Martha Jefferson
Some people have speculated that Sally Hemings looked like Martha Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson's daughter. This is one of the reasons why some believe that their relationship was more than just a platonic one.
However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. It is possible that they simply shared similar features because they were both of mixed race.
Return to the United States
In 1801, Sally Hemings returned to the United States with Jefferson. She remained in his household until his death in 1826.
After Jefferson's death, Sally's children were freed. However, she was not legally allowed to leave the plantation. In 1835, she was bought by one of Jefferson's grandsons and given her freedom.
Learn More About Sally Hemings
Sally Hemings is one of the most interesting public figures in United States history. To learn more about her character in a captivating novel, check out "Jefferson Country" today!





