Sons of the American Revolution participate in the 278th Anniversary Commemoration of the birth of Thomas Jefferson

On April 11, 2021, members of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) participated in the 278th Anniversary Commemoration of the birth of Thomas Jefferson. The ceremony was held at the Tuckahoe Plantation, Virginia. This was the boyhood home of Jefferson from the time he was two-years-old until he was nine-years-old.

The Virginia SAR Color Guard presenting the colors. Photos courtesy of Cat Schwetke and Anita Bonner.

Tuckahoe is a mostly complete plantation complex started about 1714 by Thomas Randolph. It has a plain clapboard exterior, but the interior is an example of outstanding craftsmanship from the eighteenth century. William Randolph inherited the complex from his father. He and his wife, Maria Judith Page, had three children. William and Maria died young; She in 1742 and he in 1745, leaving three young children as orphans. Peter Jefferson had married William’s first cousin, Jane Randolph, and they had become good friends. One of William’s last requests prior to his death was to have Peter care for his children until the eldest son was old enough to assume the responsibilities of managing the plantation.

Thomas, along with his parents and younger sister, lived at Tuckahoe for seven years. The children were taught lessons in a one room schoolhouse which is still present next to the main house. This was built at the direction of William Randolph in his will to ensure his son’s education was at home. In 1752, Thomas Mann Randolph at age 11 was deemed old enough to assume the management of the plantation. He died in 1795, operating Tuckahoe for 43 years. His namesake son married Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha.

Brett Osborn presenting a wreath. 

The ceremony was conducted by David Cooke, President of the Thomas Jefferson Chapter of the Virginia Society. Participating with the Virginia State Color Guard were Colonel James Wood II Chapter members and dual members. These included Marc Robinson (President, Colonel James Wood II Chapter), Dale Corey, Brett Osborn, Ken Bonner (Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander, dual member from Fairfax Resolves (FR) Chapter), Bill Schwetke (Past President Virginia SAR and dual member from Culpeper Minutemen Chapter (CMM)), Charles Jameson (dual member and President of CMM Chapter) and Mike Weyler (dual member Colonel William Grayson Chapter and Governor, Virginia Order of Founders and Patriots of America (OFPA)).

Wreaths were presented by Brett Osborn, Charles Jameson and Mike Weyler among the 21 laid in honor of Thomas Jefferson. Included from the Fauquier Court House Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, was Cat Schwetke who provided a wreath and photographic support for the event.

CJWII members from left to right: Bill Schwetke, Ken Bonner, Pat Kelly, Brett Osborn, Marc Robinson, Charles Jameson, Dale Corey and Mike Weyler.