Jefferson freed two slaves in his lifetime and five in his will. Three others ran away and were not pursued. All were members of the Hemings family; the seven he officially freed were all skilled tradesmen.

Freed by Jefferson during his lifetime

• Robert Hemings (1762-1819), freed 1794
• James Hemings (1765-1801), freed 1796

Freed in Jefferson’s will (1826-1827)

• Joseph (Joe) Fossett (1780-1858)
• Burwell Colbert (1783-1850+)
• Madison Hemings (1805-1856)
• John Hemmings (1776-1833)
• Eston Hemings (1808-1856)

Left Monticello but not pursued

• James Hemings (born 1787)
• Beverly Hemings (born 1798)
• Harriet Hemings (born 1801)

Other Monticello slaves who gained freedom

Many other Monticello slaves also gained freedom, most after being sold following Jefferson’s death. Below is a partial list:

• Peter Farley Fossett (1815-1901), freedom purchased by his father (Joseph Fossett) his family, and friends of Thomas Jefferson in 1850.
• Peter Hemings (1770-1834+)
• Robert Hughes (1824-1895), freed by Emancipation
• Elizabeth-Ann Fossett Isaacs (1812-1902), freedom purchased by her father, Joseph Fossett.
• Henry Martin (1826-1915), freed by Emancipation