Dolley Madison was the wife of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, and one of the most popular and influential first ladies in American history. She was known for her charm, grace, and hospitality, as well as her courage and patriotism. She helped shape the role of the president’s spouse and set a high standard for her successors. But how did she die, and what were the circumstances of her final years? Here is a brief overview of Dolley Madison’s life and death.
Contents
Early Life and First Marriage
Dolley Madison was born as Dolley Payne on May 20, 1768, in a log cabin in North Carolina, to a Quaker family of Virginia origin. She grew up in a simple and modest lifestyle, but also received a good education and learned to speak French
In 1790, she married John Todd, a Quaker lawyer from Philadelphia, and had two sons with him: John Payne and William Temple. However, tragedy struck in 1793, when a yellow fever epidemic swept through the city, killing her in-laws, her husband, and her infant son William. Dolley was also infected, but she survived. She was left a widow at the age of 25, with a small son and a modest inheritance
Second Marriage and White House Years
In 1794, Dolley married James Madison, a prominent politician and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was 17 years older than her, and not a Quaker. As a result, she was expelled from her religious community, but she remained faithful to her beliefs and values
Dolley Madison soon became an active partner in her husband’s political career. She accompanied him to Washington, D.C., where he served as Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1809. She also acted as the unofficial hostess for the widowed president, organizing social events and entertaining guests at the White House. She was admired for her charm, wit, and elegance, as well as her ability to bridge political differences and foster goodwill among rival factions. She was also praised for her fashion sense and taste in decorating
When James Madison was elected president in 1809, Dolley Madison continued to play a prominent role as the first lady. She oversaw the furnishing and beautification of the newly constructed White House, adding furniture, paintings, curtains, carpets, and other items. She also hosted lavish parties and receptions for dignitaries, lawmakers, diplomats, and citizens. She became known as “the queen of America” and “the presidentress” for her popularity and influence
One of her most memorable acts of courage occurred during the War of 1812, when the British invaded Washington and set fire to the White House in 1814. Dolley Madison refused to flee until she had saved some valuable items from the burning building, including Gilbert Stuart’s classic portrait of George Washington. She also instructed her personal slave Paul Jennings to save other documents and objects. She then escaped with her husband and some friends to Virginia, where they stayed until the end of the war
Later Life and Death
After James Madison retired from the presidency in 1817, he and Dolley returned to their plantation Montpelier in Virginia. They lived there peacefully for almost 20 years, enjoying their books, gardens, and visitors. James Madison died in 1836 at the age of 85, leaving Dolley a widow for the second time
Dolley Madison faced many difficulties in her old age. She had to deal with the debts and mismanagement of her son Payne Todd, who had inherited Montpelier but had squandered his fortune on gambling and drinking. He also spent time in prison for shooting a man in a duel. Dolley had to sell off parts of the plantation, its enslaved people (whom she had inherited from her husband), and some of her husband’s papers to pay off his creditors. She also suffered from rheumatism, arthritis, and other ailments
In 1837, she moved back to Washington, D.C., where she lived in a rented house on Lafayette Square across from the White House. She remained active in social circles and received many honors and visitors. She was respected as an elder stateswoman and a symbol of national unity. She also helped raise funds for various causes, such as the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institution
Dolley Madison died on July 12, 1849 at the age of 81 in Washington, D.C. She was buried next to her husband at Montpelier. She was mourned by the nation and remembered as one of the most beloved and influential first ladies in American history
Conclusion
Dolley Madison was a remarkable woman who lived a long and eventful life. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a gracious hostess, a courageous patriot, and a generous benefactor. She helped shape the role of the first lady and set a high standard for her successors. She also left a lasting legacy of charm, grace, and hospitality that still inspires admiration and respect today. Dolley Madison’s cause of death was old age and illness, but her spirit and memory live on.