Anna Wayles Hemings Jefferson navigated race, identity, and legacy in America’s complex past. Her resilient and transformative narrative embodies the Hemings-Jefferson lineage.
Early Life and Family Background
Anna Wayles Hemings Jefferson was born in Charlottesville, VA, in 1836 or 1837. She was the only daughter of Eston Hemings Jefferson and Julia Ann Isaacs, a couple whose lives were emblematic of the American struggle for identity and freedom. Anna’s middle name, Wayles, connects her to Martha Wayles Jefferson and Elizabeth Wayles Hemings, reflecting the powerful maternal legacy in her life.
Anna spent her early years in Ohio before her family moved to Madison, WI in the 1850s. Here, the family adopted the surname Jefferson, a strategic move to pass as white and evade racial discrimination. This decision, underlined by census records from 1860, paved the way for their social integration in a racially divided America.
Anna’s life was short-lived, as she passed away in 1866 at age 29, but her legacy endures through her children and the impact of her family on American history.
Marriage and Children
Anna married Captain Albert T. Pearson in Wisconsin. Albert, born in 1829 in New York, was a Union veteran of the Civil War. Their union produced three children:
| Name | Birth Year | Death Year | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick Eugene Pearson | 1856 | N/A | Legacy within the Hemings-Jefferson genealogy |
| Julia C. Pearson | 1857 | 1875 | Part of the ongoing legacy but died young |
| Walter Beverly Pearson | 1861 | N/A | Became a prosperous industrialist, co-founder of Stanadyne Automotive Corporation |
Walter Beverly Pearson is a notable figure among Anna’s descendants, underscoring the enduring legacy of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. His biography connects him to significant historical figures, illustrating a narrative of transformation and prominence.
Anna’s Immediate Family
Eston Hemings Jefferson
Eston was born in 1808, likely as the son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings at Monticello. Freed in 1826, Eston became a respected cabinetmaker and musician in Ohio and Wisconsin. His decision to adopt the Jefferson surname in Madison highlights the era’s racial tensions and the desire for a safer identity.
Julia Ann Isaacs Jefferson
Julia Ann Isaacs, Anna’s mother, was born in 1814 to David Isaacs and Nancy West. Her marriage to Eston was a pivotal alliance, blending cultural and racial boundaries. Julia’s civic engagement in Madison, WI, and her active role in the Ladies’ Aid Society during the Civil War illustrate her dedication to her family’s future and community.
Siblings
Anna’s brothers, John Wayles Jefferson and Beverly Frederick Jefferson, carried forward the family legacy:
| Name | Birth Year | Death Year | Military Service | Post-War Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Wayles Jefferson | 1835 | 1892 | Union Army’s 8th Wisconsin Infantry | Hotelier in Memphis; cotton broker post-war achievements |
| Beverly Frederick Jefferson | 1839 | 1908 | 1st Wisconsin Infantry | Quiet respectability in Madison; fathered several children |
African Americans played a crucial role in the Civil War, and their Union military duty shows loyalty.
Extended Hemings-Jefferson Roots
Sally Hemings
Anna’s paternal grandmother, Sally Hemings, was born in 1773 and is famed for her relationship to Thomas Jefferson. Her offspring, especially Eston, represent slavery and freedom’s tangled heritage.
Elizabeth “Betty” Hemings
Betty Hemings, Anna’s great-great-grandmother, was the matriarch of the Hemings family at Monticello. Her descendants have achieved notable public roles, illustrating the Hemings family’s lasting influence on American society.
The Hemings-Jefferson Legacy
The tale of Anna Wayles Hemings Jefferson illustrates American history’s larger themes:
Passing and Identity
The Fugitive Slave Act and social mobility drive the family to live as white, emphasising the complexity of American racial identity.
Military and Civic Service
Anna’s brothers and husband faithfully served the Union during the Civil War.
Continuing Influence
The Hemings-Jefferson lineage and Walter Beverly Pearson’s industrial success demonstrate the family’s lasting impact on American culture and society.
Historical Reconciliation
Recognition of the Hemings-Jefferson ancestors by historians and genetic data has helped reconcile and understand their history.
FAQ
Parents of Anna Wayles Hemings Jefferson?
Anna’s parents were Eston Hemings Jefferson and Julia Ann Isaacs, both pivotal figures in her life’s story.
What distinguishes Walter Beverly Pearson?
Anna’s son Walter Beverly Pearson co-founded Stanadyne Automotive Corporation, demonstrating the family’s impact.
The Jefferson surname affected Anna’s family.
The Jefferson surname helped Anna’s family cross racial lines and advance in the North.
What did Anna’s brothers do in the Civil War?
Both Lieutenant Colonel John Wayles Jefferson and Private Beverly Frederick Jefferson supported the Union.
What significance does Sally Hemings hold in Anna’s genealogy?
Anna’s paternal grandmother, Sally Hemings, became part of the family’s change and identity.
