PRESIDENTS' WIFES - DOLLEY MADISON

PRESIDENTS’ WIVES
DOLLEY MADISON
Dolley Madison, the wife of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison, was one of the bravest of the wives, and a very interesting woman.

She was born Dolley Payne in North Carolina on May 20, 1768 to Quaker parents. Her family moved from North Carolina to a plantation in Scotchtown, Hanover County, Virginia when she was an infant. At age 15, she again relocated with her family to Philadelphia.

According to Women in History,

“Of the early First Ladies in the United States, Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison, fourth President of the United States, has been considered the most colorful. In her eight years in Washington, D.C. (1809-1817), she made the White House a most delightful place to visit. Beautiful gregarious, buoyant, and cheerful, the regular social gatherings she hosted were lively events at which anyone would feel welcome. Through her special inviting manner the often tense political, as well as social, atmosphere of Washington could become wonderfully calm.”

TRAGEDY LEADS TO A SECOND MARRIAGE
Though raised as a Quaker, Dolley had a sparkling personality, along with a kind heart. On January 7, 1790 she married John Todd, Jr., a Philidelphia lawyer and also a Quaker. Two sons were born of the marriage: John Todd, Jr., and William Temple. Sadly, tragedy struck the family when the 1793 yellow fever epidemic took both William and her husband. An optimist, Dollety got through this difficult time and lived life to its fullest, attending social functions in Philadelphia and then in the capital of the United States. Through Senator Aaron Burr of New York, she met Representative James Madison of Virginia, who was renowned as the architect of the United States Constitution. Though he was seventeen years her senior, they married on September 15, 1794. He, however, was an Episcopalean and Dolley was then ostracized from the Society of Friends (Quakers) for marrying outside her faith.

A NEW DOLLEY
According to Women in History,
“Freed of the quaintness of Quaker doctrine, Dolley's liveliness began to manifest itself in her appearance as well as her personality. She began taking snuff, and wearing bright clothing and turbans adorned with jewelry or feathers. In particular Dolley discovered she enjoyed giving large formal dinner parties and entertaining her guests at Montpelier, the Madison family estate in Orange County, Virginia. Her receptions soon attracted attention throughout the state, and this proved favorable to her husband's political career. In 1801, the newly inaugurated President Thomas Jefferson appointed James, a friend and fellow Democratic-Republican, as Secretary of State.
Dolley took to Washington, D.C., society like a duck takes to water, and she was given a golden opportunity when Thomas Jefferson, a widower, asked her to serve as his hostess at White House social functions. Her extroversion served to enliven the often austere atmosphere of the Jefferson administration, in addition to providing the harmony needed to quell the political tensions. The first eight years Dolley was in Washington, her influence fomented the role she would assume after James was elected president in 1808.”
AS THE WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT
With her vivaciousness and ability to remember names and make everyone feel at home in the White House, she became a central figure of Washington society. Her lavish dinner parties, noted for surprise delicacies, attracted guests. She began holding “drawing rooms” on Wednesday evenings and they became quite popular with politicians, diplomats and citizenry. In addition to her charm, Dolley was noted for her knowledge of both politics and current events. Her outgoing demeanor complimented President Madison’s reserved and stonefaced disposition and her insight into politics influenced his decision-making. His reelection in 1812 was attributed to Dolley.

SERVICE DURING THE WAR OF 1812
According to Women in History
“During the War of 1812, Dolley's role as first lady was tested when British troops invaded Washington in August 1814. Courageously, she stayed behind until vital state documents and, most notably, the famous portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart were removed to safety. Fleeing Washington with James, they returned three days later to find the White House burned down. While the reconstruction process was underway, James and Dolley resided at the Octagon House for the remainder of his presidency. Nonetheless, Dolley made the most of the situation and the gaiety of Washington society, through her entertaining, returned as potent as always.”
FOLLOWING THE PRESIDENCY
According to Women in History
“With the conclusion of his second term in 1817, James and Dolley retired to Montpelier. Life on the plantation proved vibrant as Dolley continued to entertain guests as before. However, the prodigality of her son John, with whom both she and James were always too lenient, brought them financial problems. On June 28, 1836, James Madison died at the age of 85. Though childless, their 42-year marriage had been a remarkably blissful and happy one. Unfortunately, John Payne Todd's spending habits soon reduced his mother almost to poverty. This forced Dolley to sell both James's Continental Papers and Montpelier to pay the creditors. In 1837, Dolley returned to Washington and resumed her former status in the social life there. Dolley frequented numerous social and political events and was beloved by all. On July 12, 1849, Dolley Madison died in Washington at age 81. She was buried in the Congressional Cemetery with all the Washington dignitaries attending. Later her remains were moved to Montpelier next to her husband's.”
To me, Dolley Madison remains one of the more interesting First Ladies. I greatly admire her courage, her indomitable will, and her abilities as the First Lady. She was very much of an asset to James Madison.