Thomas Jefferson was born into a relatively wealthy family in colonial Virginia. His father, Peter Jefferson, was a successful planter and surveyor, which afforded the family a comfortable lifestyle. They owned land and slaves, which contributed to their wealth during that era.
As a child, Thomas grew up in a large plantation home called Shadwell. The family could provide for his education and upbringing without the financial struggles that many other families faced at the time. This background not only gave him access to education but also immersed him in the social elite of Virginia society.
However, it is important to note that despite growing up in wealth, Jefferson later faced significant financial difficulties as an adult due to poor investments and the economic challenges of maintaining his lifestyle. In conclusion, while Jefferson was certainly not poor in his childhood, his later life was marked by financial struggles, which contrasts the wealth he experienced during his formative years.