Theme of the month on Gazette665 in February 2017 is “American First Ladies,” and we’ve picked history and biographies of four presidents’ wives to share with you.

Today, we introduce Dolley Madison, wife of the James Madison who was the fourth president of the United States. Her life, sparkling personality, and precedent setting make Mrs. Madison an exceptional example of an American lady from the founding era of our country’s history.

Miss Payne, Widow Todd

Born on May 20, 1768, Dolley Payne spent her youth in North Carolina and Virginia before her father decided to move to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1783. The Payne Family were strict Quakers and became part of the Quaker Society in the city. Fifteen-year-old Dolley seemed to thrive on city life, making new friends and watching history unfold in one of the largest cities in the new United States.

Bankruptcy and religious difficulties caused trouble for the Payne Family; shortly before he died, Mr. Payne asked his daughter Dolley to marry John Todd, a lawyer and Quaker friend. On January 7, 1790, Dolley and John married, and, from their few surviving letters, seem to have been happy. Two sons were born before the tragedy of 1793.

Yellow Fever spread through Philadelphia. Mr. Todd sent his wife, young son, and baby out of the city, but he stayed behind to care for his parents and manage his law practice. John Todd and the infant son died on the same day.

Alone with her surviving toddler, Dolley fought for her inheritance and tried to plan for her future. For the time, she decided to stay in Philadelphia with her family and friends.

Mrs. Madison

It wasn’t long before bachelors started noticing the very beautiful Widow Todd; a girlfriend teased her that she should hide her face since so many men stared at her when she went walking.

James Madison – “Father of the U.S. Constitution” – had been successful in politics, but unlucky in love…until he met Widow Todd. Smitten with her beauty and friendly personality, he convinced their mutual friend, Aaron Burr, to introduce them. And the rest, as the history goes, was a romantic whirlwind – at least for James Madison. It’s not quite clear how Dolley felt, but on September 15, 1794 – about four months after they met – James and Dolley married.

Dolley Madison had married outside of Quaker society, and she was “read out of Meeting” (meaning she couldn’t belong to the Quaker society any longer). The Madisons eventually travelled to their plantation estate in Virginia where they spent a few years in a settled country home life, entertaining or corresponding with friends and raising Dolley’s young son.

During Thomas Jefferson’s presidency (1801-1809), James Madison served as Secretary of State. Dolley embraced life in the muddy-street capital of Washington City. She made friends, hosted wonderful parties, and tried to smooth over the etiquette faux pas that Jefferson was determined to make. She watched and learned what should and should not be done. And when election season came, she quietly and effectively campaigned for her husband by hosting gatherings, making formal calls, and using her social “power.”

First Lady @ The White House

In 1809, James Madison became the U.S. President, and the Madison’s moved from their private home to the White House. Dolley began a redecorating campaign to refurnish the White House with elegance and style, while still keeping with republic ideals. (Whenever possible,  she chose all-American made furniture and artwork!)

Dolley Madison became famous for her social gatherings at the executive mansion. Her sense of fashion, etiquette, and friendly character brought political enemies into the same rooms where conversation and understanding could begin. She carefully aligned her social work to support her husband’s politics and often helped him make new political friends and allies.

One of the most famous incidents in Dolley Madison’s life was during the War of 1812. As British troops approached the capital, she waited, hoping the president would return before she had to flee. Eventually, she was forced to leave, but insisted on sending George Washington’s portrait to safety before she left, ensuring that the British could not capture it as a war prize. The British burned the capital buildings, including the White House, but after the raid, the Madisons returned and sent a clear message that they would not abandon the city or national leadership.

After Madison’s presidency, the couple retired to their estate in Virginia. After James Madison’s death in 1836, Dolley struggled financially, impoverished by her son’s gambling and loose living. She eventually returned to Washington City, becoming a beloved “celebrity” in the capital; she was granted many privileges, including an honorary seat to watch Congressional proceedings, receipt of the first telegraph message ever transmitted in the U.S., and free delivery for all her correspondence. Respected and honored for her role in early American history, Dolley Madison was given a state funeral when she died in 1849.

Mrs. Madison’s Legacy

Dolley Madison defined the role of “First Lady of the United States.” True, she was the third first lady – preceded by Martha Washington and Abigail Adams. (Thomas Jefferson wasn’t married during his presidency). But Dolley Madison was the first to take a very active and public role as national hostess.

She set precedents for hospitality, White House decoration, charitable work, fashion, and the first lady’s role in politics. Mrs. Madison’s high standards continue to influence the position and activities of first ladies in the modern era.

Skillfully, Dolley Madison took the best of American republic ideals combined with a sense of fashion and etiquette to create tradition for the executive mansion. Her charm, strength of character, and understanding of appropriate feminine social power granted her a permanent place in political and national society, and her legacy continues in the ceremony and protocol observed in the White House for last two centuries.

Your Historian,

Miss Sarah

P.S. Is there a particular historical account about Dolley Madison that stands out to you?