Researchers associated with the Smithsonian Institution have resolved one of the most enduring enigmas in American history: the paternity of Sally Hemings’ children by Thomas Jefferson. This revelation has emerged after two centuries of speculation, lending credibility to long-rumoured claims about the intimate relationship between the third President of the United States and his enslaved mistress.
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The connection between Jefferson and Hemings has been confirmed through comprehensive DNA testing, which matched DNA samples taken from a hair strand belonging to Thomas Jefferson with the descendants of Hemings. This significant breakthrough is thoroughly detailed in a new book entitled “History by a Hair: Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings & Solving a 200-Year-Old Mystery,” authored by Richard Kurin, which is set to be released on 22nd September.
In his research, Kurin asserts there is a staggering “99.9% chance” that Jefferson fathered at least one child with Hemings, who was enslaved at his estate in Monticello, Virginia. Their relationship has long been the subject of debate and speculation, particularly after Jefferson’s marriage to Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson ended with her death in 1782. Despite having had six children together, only two daughters, Patsy and Mary, survived into adulthood.
The journey towards this revelation began in 2011 when Kurin unearthed a single hair from one of Jefferson’s Bibles at Monticello. His insight was clear: by extracting DNA from Jefferson’s hair, the mystery surrounding his relationship with Hemings could be illuminated. Kurin explained, “If we can obtain DNA from Jefferson, we can compare it with the descendants of Sally Hemings. This could potentially solve a 200-year-old mystery in American history.”
While testing the initial hair strand yielded inconclusive results, researchers managed to locate a collection of Jefferson’s hair at Monticello that ultimately provided the answers they were seeking. This important discovery was made possible thanks to a number of individuals who came forward claiming descent from both Jefferson and Hemings, eager to participate in the DNA testing.
One of these individuals, Clara-Lee Nutt, reflected on her childhood visits to Monticello, recalling a moment when she asked a tour guide about Hemings’ living arrangements. The guide was quick to deny any connection, stating there was “no evidence that that woman ever set foot in this house.” Nutt’s journey took an unexpected turn decades later when her DNA showed a 5% match to Jefferson’s, validating the longstanding speculation.
Kurin described Nutt’s connection as “absolutely huge,” reflecting the profound implications of this discovery for both her family and the broader narrative of American history. Since the revelation, Nutt has embraced familial ties with newfound relatives, stating, “I just feel blessed I have this cousin here.”
The breakthrough has provided much-needed closure regarding this complex chapter of American history. Nutt expressed a sense of validation that she can now pass on to her children without hesitation, allowing her to say confidently, “This is who you are.” The significance of this connection extends beyond mere ancestry; it serves as a reminder of the intricacies of American history and the legacies of individuals like Jefferson and Hemings.
As this chapter seemingly closes, it raises questions about how history is recorded and remembered, prompting further discussions about the impact of Jefferson’s legacy on contemporary society. With the truth of this relationship now confirmed, historians and the public alike may seek to reassess not only Thomas Jefferson’s legacy but also the narratives surrounding race, power, and familial relationships in early America.