Duties were shared by his surviving daughters, Martha Jefferson @Randolph, the wife of @Thomas @Mann Randolph, and @Maria Jefferson @Eppes (known as @Polly), who was married to John @Wayles Eppes. @Dorothea (Dolley) @Madison, wife of Jefferson's secretary of state, and other wives of his cabinet members also helped run the White House's social affairs.
By all accounts, Jefferson was a good father. He carefully supervised his daughters' schooling, manners, and dress. Mrs. Randolph took a more active part in the social life of the White House than her sister. Her extensive travels and years of education abroad, and her association with her father and his friends, had prepared her to be mistress of the White House. Mrs. Eppes, the beauty of the family, was very frail.
After Maria Eppes' death, Mrs. Randolph and her family moved into the White House to help ease Jefferson's grief. They all accompanied President Jefferson to @Monticello, his beautiful house in Virginia, on his retirement. There Mrs. Randolph acted as her father's companion and hostess.
Dolley Madison later became an actual first lady, and of them all, none has had a greater reputation for grace and charm than she. These qualities made her one of the best-known American women.
Dolley Madison was brought up in the @Quaker faith.
