I have never been a fan of the near-deification of St. Thomas Jefferson. But I am a real fan of accuracy. The proposition that TJ fathered children by Sally Hemings is the old Scottish verdict: NOT PROVEN. We have gone several prizefight rounds on this forum concerning the subject and it all boils down to proof, of which there is none; and of supposition, for which three main lines have been argued: he did, he didn’t, another Jefferson did.
Until there are DNA tests that are dispositive, arguments about TJ’s possible progeny with Sally Hemings are just so much hot air, however forcefully or elegantly argued. This book is proof positive that a phrase repeated often enough becomes the truth. This book and the introduction for this talk presume that it is so. That is an unsupported proposition.
To settle this once and for all, chips fall where they may, etc. whoever holds the power to allow DNA testing on TJ’s bones should allow it. Period. He would hardly be the first male to father progeny with a slave woman. And if it was shown that he did not, then the legacy of this man is owed an apology for the false accusation. As to whether he had what is termed a “relationship” with Sally Hemings is unanswerable and is also none of anyone’s business but the two principals.
Merry Christmas,
Lyle Browning, RPA
> On Dec 21, 2018, at 10:07 AM, Valos, Troy <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Good Morning everyone,
>
> I want to share with everyone know about an upcoming book talk, Jefferson’s Daughters: Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America, by Catherine Kerrison here at Slover Library in Norfolk, Virginia on January 27, 2019; 4:00 – 6:00 PM. The free event will be held in Room 650 followed by a reception with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
>
> Dr. Kerrison is a professor of history at Villanova University, where she teaches courses in Colonial and Revolutionary America and women’s and gender history. She holds a PhD in American history from the College of William and Mary. Her new book reveals the untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s three daughters–two white and free, one black and enslaved–and the divergent paths they forged in a newly independent America. Sunday reception and lecture.
>
> This book talk is part of the Catherine Lee Brinkley Memorial Lecture Series at Slover Library.
>
> Catherine “Kate” Lee Brinkley was a professional librarian at the City of Norfolk’s Kirn Memorial Library, dedicated to educating the citizens of Norfolk through the many services and programs of the Norfolk Public Library system. This lecture series, named in her honor, brings authors to Norfolk and is sponsored by Jane Batten to keep the spirit of community discourse about current events alive and to celebrate recently published books of national note. Book signings are available at and all lectures are free and open to the public.
>
> Link to Slover Library - www.sloverlibrary.com
>
> Link to Slover Library in Google Maps - https://goo.gl/maps/sjhi9oybEck
>
> We will see you at this wonderful and fascinating book talk!!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Troy Valos, MA, MSIS
> Special Collections Librarian
> Sargeant Memorial Collection
>
> Norfolk Public Library
> Slover Library
> 235 East Plume Street
> Norfolk, VA 23510
> 757-431-7429 dept.
>
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