9. Jefferson’s Will and Provision for Hemings Sons
In his final will (1826), Jefferson freed two of Sally Hemings’s sons—Madison and Eston—and directed that each receive funds to support their education and relocation. This specific provision stands in marked contrast to the broader estate, where most enslaved individuals remained in bondage without similar benefits. The Last Will and Testament clarifies Jefferson’s intention to secure a future for Hemings’s boys. Historians view these clauses as clear evidence of Jefferson’s paternal concern, providing further insight into his relationship with Hemings’s family.
