[CatoRenasci]

We know that Jefferson fathered Woodson

Not true. DNA testing showed Woodson was conclusively NOT fathered by any Jefferson male.

There is a William B Hemings, who died in 1910, who could be exhumed and DNA probably obtained (the Jefferson family asked it be done), but the Hemings descendents have said "no."

There is no more reason to believe Sally Hemings had children by one man only than there is to believe she had children by many men. The Carrs confessed to fathering some of the children, and there is contemporary evidence (a former slave's memoir) that Randolph was busy cavorting with the slaves. He was something of a ne'er-do-well in any event. What is more natural and plausable after an evening dancing and fiddling in the cabins than to bed a comely wench? Far more natural and plausable than sneaking down (or sneaker her up to the house) after a formal dinner family and distinguished visitors from abroad. You are correct that we cannot be completely certain, but it seems to me Randolph, who was probably present when Sally conceived Eston, is a far more likely candidate than Thomas.

[LWalk18]

I'm sorry...I am a bad typist and I meant of course he DID NOT father Woodson. Is William Hemings's Madison's son? Yes, he would be helpful to test him as well. I just argue that she would have been with men closer to the plantation, especially if she was pretty- her mother Betty was also reputed to be beautiful, and she had fourteen children- literally one every other year with four different men.

Far more natural and plausable than sneaking down (or sneaker her up to the house) after a formal dinner family and distinguished visitors from abroad.

Wasn't Sally a house slave, if I recall? Most of the Hemings were house slaves.