Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson, born April 13, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia, was a man of many accomplishments (Brodie, p.3). He was the third President of the United States from 1801-1809, the first Secretary of State, and the principle author of the Declaration of Independence. He was also an influential political leader and philosopher. Because of his vision of possibilities for the Louisiana Territory, men and women were sent on a quest to the western frontier (Bober, p.273). This quest required courage, determination, and individual responsibility, qualities that Thomas Jefferson possessed himself