| First Name | Will |
| Alternate Names | Billy Thomas Jefferson’s Farm Book, page 24 |
| Surnames | |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Information | 1762 Thomas Jefferson’s Dowries Comparison Lists, [Sep. 1797] |
| Thomas Jefferson documents the people he enslaves across his properties, noting if someone is engaged in agriculture, a tradesperson, or is unable to work. Five people are recorded at Lego. Marked as "a labourer in the ground." | |
| Role | Enumerated |
| Occupation: | Farm Laborer |
| Sources | Thomas Jefferson’s Farm Book, page 16 |
| Thomas Jefferson records the distribution of blankets and beds to people at Lego and Shadwell. | |
| Role | Receives Provisions |
| Sources | Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book, page 19 |
| Thomas Jefferson records people enslaved on his various properties, noting if someone is engaged in agriculture, a tradesperson, or is unable to work. Marked as "a labourer in the ground." | |
| Role | Enumerated |
| Occupation: | Farm Laborer |
| Sources | Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book, page 10 |
| Four people enslaved by Thomas Jefferson escape from Shadwell during a British invasion. | |
| Role | Freedom Seeker |
| Listed With | “Billy”HarryRobin (b. 1757) |
| Sources | Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book, page 29 Thomas Jefferson to William Gordon, 16 July 1788 |
| Will and Robin return to the plantation at Shadwell after escaping during a British invasion. | |
| Role | Traveler |
| Listed With | Robin (b. 1757) |
| Sources | Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book, page 29 Thomas Jefferson to William Gordon, 16 July 1788 |
| 27 enslaved persons are transferred by Thomas Jefferson as part of a marriage settlement between his daughter Martha and Thomas Mann Randolph. | |
| From Enslaver | Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) |
| To Enslaver | Thomas Mann Randolph (1768-1828) |
| Role | Sold Or Transferred |
| Listed With | Sarah (b. 1764)Peggy (b. 1780)Lewis (b. 1781)Abby (b. 1783)Patty (b. 1785)Harry (b. 1787) |
| Sources | Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book, page 25 Marriage Settlement for Martha Jefferson, 21 February 1790 |
© 2026 Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Getting Word: African American History at Monticello is supported by the Mellon Foundation