Missouri Family Honors Thomas Jefferson Heritage During Nation's 250th Anniversary

As Americans commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary, one Marshfield family is embracing a remarkable connection to one of the country's most influential Founding Fathers.

On Independence Day, July 4, members of the same Jefferson family lineage gathered in the dining room of the historic Dickey House in Marshfield for a signing ceremony marking their official membership in the Society of Presidential Descendants. The national lineage organization recognizes and connects descendants of America's presidents while promoting the preservation of presidential history through education and historical programs.

Participating in the ceremony were Jeanette (Inman) Alcorn, a sixth-generation granddaughter of President Thomas Jefferson; Rev. Nicholas W. Inman, a seventh-generation grandson; and Reagan Rachelle Inman and Jackson Carter-Wayne Inman, eighth-generation descendants. The family traces its direct lineage to Jefferson through his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, and Randolph's wife, Jane Hollins Nicholas Randolph, daughter of Wilson Cary Nicholas.

When asked how it felt to be related to Jefferson, Rev. Inman explained, "Our family certainly takes great pride in being descended from Jefferson. While we did not want to sound braggadocious about it, we agreed that with the nation's 250th being celebrated, it would be an appropriate time to embrace our ancestry and celebrate our roots."

The timing of the ceremony carried special significance. Earlier that day, Inman read the Declaration of Independence during Marshfield's 147th Independence Day Celebration, honoring the document for which Jefferson served as the principal author. Adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration was approved by the Continental Congress and ultimately signed by 56 delegates who pledged "their Lives, their Fortunes and their sacred Honor" to the cause of American independence.

Fifty years later, on July 4, 1826, Jefferson died at his home, Monticello, at the age of 83. In one of the most remarkable coincidences in American history, fellow Founding Father and second President John Adams also died that same day, exactly fifty years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

Marshfield has enjoyed several notable connections to Jefferson through the years. Former residents Chris Truscott, a seventh-great-grandson of Jefferson, and the late Brigadier General Robert Todd Inman, a third-great-grandson, both called Marshfield home. In addition, Jefferson descendants Chris Truscott, Lucian K. Truscott IV, a sixth-great-grandson, and Shannon Lanier, a sixth-great-grandson descended through Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, have participated in the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival at various times, representing different branches of the Jefferson family while sharing the history and legacy of the nation's third president.

Jefferson's connection to Missouri extends beyond his descendants. Before his death, he personally designed the monument that would mark his grave at Monticello and wrote the inscription that he wished future generations to remember. Although he had served as President of the United States, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Minister to France, and accomplished countless other achievements, Jefferson requested that only three accomplishments appear on his monument: author of the Declaration of American Independence, author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia. He instructed that there should be "not a word more."

The original obelisk was erected at Monticello in 1833. After years of deterioration and damage caused by visitors removing pieces of the monument as souvenirs, it was relocated for protection by Thomas Jefferson Randolph. Congress later authorized a new granite monument for Jefferson's gravesite, and in 1885 Jefferson's grandchildren donated the original monument to the University of Missouri, where it was unveiled on July 4 of that year. Following restoration by the Smithsonian Institution, Jefferson's original marble epitaph plaque was returned to the university in 2014. Today it is displayed in Jesse Hall, while a replica appears on the historic obelisk in the university's Quadrangle.

For the Inman family, joining the Society of Presidential Descendants represents more than documenting a family tree. It serves as a way of honoring an American legacy while celebrating the nation's Semiquincentennial and preserving that history for future generations.

"We have always welcomed presidential descendants to the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival here in Marshfield and have enjoyed recognizing their family histories," Inman said. "It will certainly be a new experience for our own family to join so many of our friends who have attended through the years representing their presidential relatives. We look forward to sharing our Jefferson heritage alongside them in the years ahead."