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. I'd like to think, that's something I would do. MORE: The First Ladies of the United States: Dolley Payne Todd MadisonThe Dolley Madison Project: Her Life, Letters, and LegacyA Wonderful Facebook Page created to honor Ms. Madison can be found here
The Dolley Madison Commemorative Coin Biography
Madison Family Home: Montpelier
MAIDEN NAME: Dolley Payne.BIRTH DATE: May 20, 1768.BIRTHPLACE: New Garden settlement (now Guilford County), North Carolina.EDUCATION: No formal education.FAMILY BACKGROUND: Born 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.DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 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.espite her strict Quaker upbringing, Dolley Payne possessed a sparkling personality and a kind heart. On Jan. 7, 1790, she married John Todd, Jr., a Philadelphia lawyer and fellow Quaker. They had two sons John Payne and William Temple. In 1793 a yellow fever epidemic hit Philadelphia, claiming the lives of her husband and son William within weeks of each other. Dolley's characteristic optimism enabled her to get through this tragedy and continue to live life to its fullest. She attended various social functions in Philadelphia, then the capital of the United States. At one of which, through Senator Aaron Burr of New York, Dolley was introduced to Representative James Madison of Virginia, renowned as the architect of the United States Constitution. Though 17 years her senior, Dolley and James soon began a courtship, culminating in his proposal of marriage and her acceptance. On Sept. 15, 1794, James Madison, age 43, and Dolley Payne Todd, 26, were married. Because James Madison was an Episcopalian, Dolley was ostracized from the Society of Friends (Quakers) for marrying outside her faith.
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.
Once Dolley Madison became first lady in 1809, her status as the central figure of Washington society was confirmed. The vivacious Dolley's expansive memory for names and ability to make everyone at home in the White House attracted guests by the many. Her lavish dinner parties were noted for the surprise delicacies served. She began holding Wednesday evening "drawing rooms" (receptions) that became immensely popular with politicians, diplomats, and the citizenry. Not only was Dolley renowned for her charm, but her knowledge of politics and current events was significant as well. She proved an asset to James's political career in two ways: her outgoing demeanor complimented his reserved and stonefaced disposition and her political insight influenced his decision-making. Undoubtedly, Dolley was one of the reasons James won reelection in 1812.
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.
DATE OF DEATH: July 12, 1849, age 81.
PLACE OF DEATH: Washington, D.C.
DATE OF DEATH: July 12, 1849, age 81.PLACE OF DEATH: Washington, D.C.