Mary "Maria" Jefferson Eppes, born Mary Jefferson, was the younger of Thomas Jefferson"s two daughters who survived infancy.
Background
Mary Jefferson was born to politician and future president Thomas Jefferson and Martha Wayles Jefferson (née Wayles). She had a sickly disposition as her mother did, who died in 1782 when Polly was five. Polly also inherited her mother"s beauty, which was frequently complimented, to her chagrin.
In the care of the young slave Sally Hemings, at age nine Polly sailed to Europe to join her father who was serving as Minister to France.
Education
Known as "Polly the Parrot" and "gopher" in her childhood, she later chose the nickname "Maria." She was known as such until her death at age 25. In France Polly attended the Pentemont Abbey convent school with her older sister Martha (Patsy).
Career
She preferred to be known for her character or mind. First they landed in England, where Abigail Adams, wife of the United States. Minister John Adams, looked after the girls before they joined her father in Paris: Abigail developed a deep and lasting affection for Polly. After some time, her father had the girls tutored at home.
The family returned to Virginia in 1789.
After living for a time in Philadelphia while Jefferson was Secretary of State, they returned to Monticello. Polly spent most of the rest of her short life in Virginia.