Ursula Granger facts for kids

Ursula Granger (born around 1738 – died 1800) was an enslaved woman. She was owned by Thomas Jefferson, who later became a president of the United States. Ursula worked for Jefferson for over 27 years. He described her as someone who had "trust & skill."

Ursula was a cook, dairymaid, and laundress. She also worked as a wet nurse, caring for babies. Some people called her the "Queen of Monticello" (Jefferson's home). She was also known for being a pioneer in making cider in America.

Life of Ursula Granger

Early Life and Work

Ursula was born around 1738. In January 1773, Thomas Jefferson bought her. He wanted her to work in his home. Jefferson's wife, Martha Jefferson, really wanted Ursula. She wrote that she was "very desirous to get a favorite house woman of the name Ursula."

Ursula was bought along with her sons. Later, her husband, George Granger Sr., also joined them. Her husband was known as "Great George." He was a farm foreman and an overseer at Monticello. He was the only African American overseer there.

Family and Important Roles

Ursula is often mentioned in Thomas Jefferson's old papers. She worked as a pastry cook and later became the head cook. She also did laundry. Her jobs included preparing and storing meat. She also supervised the bottling of cider at Monticello.

Ursula was the wet nurse for Jefferson's oldest daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph. Martha later served as the Acting First Lady of the United States. When Jefferson became Governor of Virginia in 1779, he took Ursula and her family with him. They moved to Williamsburg and then Richmond.

Later Years and Family

Ursula became sick in late 1799. She passed away in the spring of 1800. She was about 61 or 62 years old. Ursula, her husband, and her son George Granger Jr. all died within a few months of each other.

Ursula's youngest son, Isaac, lived until the 1840s. He used the last name Jefferson. Isaac was a free man living in Petersburg, Virginia. He shared his memories of what life was like at Monticello. Ursula's granddaughter was named Ursula, too. She briefly worked as an enslaved chef at the White House when Jefferson became president. The last known interview with someone who was enslaved by Thomas Jefferson was in 1949. This person was Fountain Hughes, who was a descendant of Ursula.

Her Legacy Today

The first kitchen at Monticello has been dug up and rebuilt. It is called the "Granger/Hemings Kitchen." This kitchen shows details about the lives of Ursula Granger, Sally Hemings, and other enslaved cooks. These cooks helped create early American food.

See also

• Thomas Jefferson and slavery
• List of slaves