Thomas Jefferson(1743 1826): third President of the U.(1801-1809)and author of the declaration of Independence. The son of a wealthy planter in Virginia Jefferson was well educated and trained as a lawyer. A man of many interests. he was also an architect, and a patron of learning and the arts Thomas Jefferson (1743--- 1826): third President of the U.S. (1801---1809) and author of the Declaration of Independence .The son of a wealthy planter in Virginia. Jefferson was well educated and trained as a lawyer. A man of many interests, he was also an architect, and a patron of learning and the arts