Adopted by an Orphan

In 1808, the Jacksons took in one of the infant twins of Rachel’s brother, Severn Donelson, and raised him as their own. They named him Andrew Jackson, Jr. (1808-1865).

Although some accounts suggest they took the child because of his mother’s ill health and inability to care for her children, the reasons for the adoption are actually not clear. Andrew Jr. and his twin, Thomas Jefferson Donelson, remained close all of their lives. Andrew Jr. attended school at Davidson Academy and the University of Nashville.

When his father became President, Andrew Jr. assumed management of the Hermitage farm. He married Sarah Yorke of Philadelphia on November 24, 1831. Although Jr.’s financial woes brought Jackson grief in later years, Jackson was always a devoted father.