Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. I.djvu/191

THOMAS JEFFERSON 153 million dollars, and containing, in its central hall, a colossal seated statue of our third president. It was dedicated as a memorial of the Louisiana Purchase on the last day of April. On May 1, the Missouri Historical Society, now occupying the building, also held a dedication meeting, the chief feature of which was an address by James Grant Wilson, of New York, whose subject was "Two Makers of American History Lincoln and Grant." His wife, MARTHA WAYLES, born in Charles City County, Va., October 19, 1748; died at Monti- cello, near Charlottesville, Va., September 6, 1782, was the daughter of John Wayles, a wealthy law yer, from whom she inherited a large property. Her first husband, Bathurst Skelton, died before she was twenty years of age, and Mr. Jefferson was one of her many suitors. She is described as very beautiful, a little above middle height, auburn- haired, and of a dignified carriage. She was well educated for her day, and a constant reader. Previous to her second marriage, while her mind seemed still undecided as to which of her many lovers would be accepted, two of them met acci dentally in the hall of her father s house. They were about to enter the drawing-room when the sound of music caught their ear. The voices of Jefferson and Mrs. Skelton, accompanied by her harpsichord and his violin, were recognized, and the