Eppes Family Genealogy & History

Mary Jefferson Eppes (1778–1804), also known as Polly or Maria, was the daughter of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. She married her cousin, John Wayles Eppes, and they had three children, with only their son, Francis W. Eppes, surviving childhood. Known for her love of reading and linguistic skills, Maria was educated in Paris at the prestigious Pentemont Abbey convent school, where she learned French, Spanish, and music. Her early life was marked by travels and education, contributing to her reputation for intelligence and character.

Mary was born to Thomas Jefferson and Martha Jefferson (née Wayles), who were prominent figures in Virginia. Her father served as the governor of Virginia and later became the U.S. Secretary of State and President. Maria's family background is deeply rooted in Virginia's history, with connections to influential families like the Eppes, highlighting her significant ancestral heritage.

Charles Edward Eppes, Ph.D., is a fictional character from the CBS crime drama Numbers, portrayed by David Krumholtz. Eppes is a renowned mathematical genius and professor of applied mathematics at CalSci. His expertise in mathematics aids his brother, FBI agent Don Eppes, in solving complex cases. A child prodigy, Charlie published his first mathematical treatise at 14 and is recognized for his work on the Eppes Convergence. His career highlights include consulting for the NSA, receiving the Milton Prize, and being a Fields Medal nominee. He contributes to diverse fields like cognitive emergence theory and harmonic analysis, enhancing his reputation as a world-class mathematician.

According to the backstory, Charlie Eppes exhibited extraordinary mathematical abilities from a young age, impressing his father by mentally multiplying four-digit numbers at age three.

Francis Wayles Eppes was a prominent American figure born in 1801, known for his significant contributions in Florida as a cotton planter and civic leader. He played a crucial role in the establishment of Florida State University by donating land and funds for its creation, serving as the president of its board of trustees for eight years. Eppes also held the position of mayor in Tallahassee twice, demonstrating his deep commitment to public service and community development in the antebellum South.

Eppes was the only child of Maria Jefferson and John Wayles Eppes to survive into adulthood. Born at Monticello, he was the grandson of President Thomas Jefferson. After his mother's early death, he was raised at his father’s Millbrook plantation, under the care of Betsy Hemmings, a slave gifted to his parents by Jefferson. Eppes married Mary Elizabeth Cleland Randolph and later Susan Margaret Ware Crouch, fathering thirteen children across both marriages.

Donald "Don" Eppes is a fictional character from the CBS crime drama "Numbers," portrayed by Rob Morrow. As an FBI Special Agent in Los Angeles, Don leads the Violent Crimes Squad and frequently collaborates with his mathematical genius brother, Charlie Eppes, to solve complex cases. His career highlights include roles in Fugitive Recovery, teaching at the FBI Academy, and serving as the Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque FBI office. Despite his career-driven lifestyle, Don values his family, particularly his brother Charlie, even though their perspectives on the world differ.

Don Eppes is the elder son of Alan Eppes and Margaret Mann-Eppes, raised in a secular Jewish family. His upbringing during the Vietnam War included attending sit-ins with his parents, reflecting a family committed to activism. Don's early life included a passion for baseball, leading to a college scholarship, and a brief stint with the fictional Stockton Rangers baseball team. His decision to join the FBI was influenced by personal realizations about his career potential in sports.