Short, William

Short was the adopted son (or possibly protégé) of President Thomas Jefferson. He was born into a well-to-do planter family in Virginia.

He helped found the US academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa, served his father as secretary in France and as later as chargé d'affaires; and was US diplomat to Russia, Spain and the Netherlands until 1810. He was also a member of the Virginia Council of State. After retiring from the diplomatic service he became a very wealthy landowner.

References

Shackelford, George Green. Jefferson's Adoptive Son: The Life of William Short, 1759-1848. (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1993)
Dictionary of American Biography

Indexes

European
USA
18th Century
19th Century
Education, Teaching, Libraries
Diplomats
Priest, Religious, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Patron, Apprentice Master or Owner
Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Adoptive or Foster Families
Adoptees/Fosterees from Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Birth Families