Thomas Mann Randolph Jr. (1768-1828)

U.S. Congressman, Virginia Governor. By marrying Martha Jefferson 1790, he became the son-in-law of the 3rd U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. He also was the father of George Wythe Randolph, and grandfather of Thomas Jefferson Coolidge. He attended the College of William and Mary Virginia and the University of Edinburgh Scotland, (1785-88). Entering politics, he was a member of the Virginia Senate, (1793-94). In 1803, he was elected as a Republican to the Eighth and Ninth Congresses, serving until 1807. He served as a Colonel in both the Virginia Militia and as a Colonel of the 12th Infantry, U.S. Army and during the War of 1812. After the war, he was a member of the Virginia State House of Delegates, (1819-20). In 1819, he was elected as a Republican the 21st Virginia Governor, serving until 1822. After leaving office, he again served as a member of the Virginia State House of Delegates, (1823-25). It was later said, he had died from exposure after giving his cloak to a beggar on the highway.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith