Several Founding Fathers had children born out of wedlock, but the most well-known is likely Thomas Jefferson. He fathered a child with Sally Hemings, a enslaved woman who lived in his household.
While the exact nature of their relationship is debated, DNA evidence confirms that Jefferson is the father of Hemings’ youngest son, Eston Hemings.
Other Founding Fathers who may have had illegitimate children include:
- George Washington: There is evidence that Washington may have fathered a child with a woman named Hannah, but this is contested and not widely accepted.
- James Madison: Madison’s wife, Dolley, had a child before their marriage, but it’s unclear if Madison was the father.
The existence of these children highlights the complex social and moral issues of the time, particularly concerning slavery and societal norms.
