Dolley Madison

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Dolley Madison was born May 24, 1768 on a farm in New Garden, North Carolina. Her parents, John Payne Jr. and Mary Coles Payne, were Virginian Quakers. During the Revolutionary War in 1783, her parents decided to sell their plantation in Virginia and move to Philadelphia. However, she grew into a intelligent and beautiful women. Dolley’s intelligence and beauty attracted young men, and at age 21, she met John Todd, a young lawyer in Philadelphia. The two married in January of 1790. A few years later, the couple had two sons. Then, in August of 1793, a large outbreak of yellow fever hit the city of Philadelphia. Dolley, her husband, and her two children were all affected by this large outbreak. Sadly, Dolley's husband and youngest son died of this sad illness while Dolley ended up recovering from this illness. However, after this sad event, something surprising happened. James Madison requested a meeting with Dolley Payne.

James Madison was a very well known man in Philadelphia. James had previously suggested the Bill of Rights and had also helped in the process of drafting the Constitution. Within a few weeks of Dolley and James meeting, There was a rumor that the two were engaged. Although Dolley denied this rumor, the couple were married in September of 1794.

Once Dolley Madison became first lady in 1809, she became hugely popular with politicians, diplomats, and citizens. People say that Dolley was fit for the first lady job. She was known for her caring and loving, her fashion sense, and her graceful manners. Her kind and and loving personality makes Dolley Madison my hero. Her kind and loving personality won't change anyone's life, although she did save many important things in the White House. Like Dolley used to say...“At this late hour a wagon has been procured, and I have had it filled with plate and the most valuable portable articles, belonging to the house”.

During the war of 1812, British troops invaded Washington on August of 1814. Dolley Madison was told that she had to leave the city. So, Dolley, being the courageous person that she was, took very important documents, a portrait of George Washington, and silver. Dolley escaped the British with all the things intact. The British ended up burning the Capitol and the president’s house. After leaving Washington to avoid the British, James and Dolley returned to burnt-down White House. However, Dolley and James needed a reminder of James’ presidency and had to live in the Octagon. To say the least, their stay was miserable. During this miserable experience Dolley helped with her bubbly personality.

Dolley Madison's legacy was her warm and kind personality. She was well known for being the best and greatest first lady there ever was. She also has the legacy of being very heroic trying to avoid the British to take the paintings and save the important documents.