James and Dolley Madision

James Madison was the fourth president of the United States. He was well respected and liked as a president. Dolley Madison was an influential and important lady that stood by his side. She helped out James Madison if, when, and where needed. Dolley Madison was a socialite and understood the importance in creating relationships with other influential women. She was involved in charities, parties and other social gatherings. James Madison would not have been as successful of a president if it were not for his wife assisting in the areas in which she did. She used her charisma and hard work to help her husband become an even more influential political figure. Her ability to become a great first lady, certainly helped James Madison image and political power.

Dolley Payne was born on May 20, 1768, in North Carolina. Her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1783. In 1790, Dolley Payne married lawyer and fellow Quaker John Todd, Jr. In 1793 Dolley’s husband and infant son William died of yellow fever. Because she lived in the capital of that time, Philadelphia, Dolley was able to meet many important and influential political figures and in 1794, she married James Madison. In 1801, when James Madison was appointed President Jefferson’s Secretary of State, the Madison’s moved to Washington, DC.  By this time, D.C was the new capital city.

She was one of the most well-loved first ladies. Dolley Madison was described as one of the most vibrant of the early First Ladies. She was outgoing and boisterous, fun-loving and kind. This is interesting because she was raised with Quaker roots. So I would think that she would be more quiet, and to herself. She served as Thomas Jefferson's White House hostess after his wife died and then she became the first lady once her husband won the presidency. She was active in creating weekly social events and entertaining dignitaries and other well-known members of society.  While the War of 1812 was going on, James Madison and his cabinet left when the British troops came and set fire to Washington D.C. Dolley Madison stayed back and understood the significance of the national treasures and keepsakes saved in the White House and would not leave without saving as much as she could, this included important documents, and a large portrait of George Washington. Because of her efforts and determination, many items in the White House were saved which would have most likely been destroyed or taken when the British captured and burned the White House.  Even though the city was in turmoil, Dolley Madison continued to host events and entertain in her temporary home.  She believed that this showed Americans the optimism and positivity of the city. This positivity is very important to have as a key figure in a society. While Madison was serving as Jefferson’s Secretary of State , Dolley co-hosted events that Jefferson felt needed a female presence. Jefferson was very much into parties and social events, and understood the importance of being a social. Dolley also played a large part in fundraising for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This is a very important thing that many people could overlook. Fundraising for this, was something that was time consuming and was a great help for the expedition. Having a hardworking woman behind the scenes, really made a difference in the success of this trip.

James Madison was elected president in 1808. On the evening of James Madison inauguration in 1808, Dolley sponsored the first Inaugural Ball. Dolley was the first president’s wife to be formally associated with a public charity project. Dolley was very involved in charitable events, which made her husband look even better in the view of other Americans. The charity she sponsored was a home for orphaned girls in Washington, DC. Throughout her James Madison’s two presidential terms, Dolley Madison was a prominent woman in the political society. I think her biggest assistance to James Madison’s presidency was her ability to build relationships. She built relationships with various wives of important political figures. This allowed her to influence political opinions in the favor of her husband. After James Madison’s death, Dolley was forced to sell most of his property due to large debt. After this, she left Montpelier and moved to Washington D.C. She was awarded an honorary seat in Congress which allowed her to watch Congressional debates from the floor.

Although people addressed Martha Washington and Abigail Adams as “Lady Washington” and “Lady Adams,” it is said that President Zachary Taylor glorified Dolley Madison as the “First Lady”. Dolley set the standard for future First Ladies.

In conclusion, her ability to create relationships, involvement in the community, and willingness to help out where needed, makes Dolley Madison a great asset to James Madison presidential reign. Having a great First Lady could be overlooked by some, but I think that it is a key component for a successful presidency.

 

Bibliography

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 "James Madison : His Accomplishments, Ideas, Biography, Legacy, Impact, Western Culture, Civilization: Father of Constitution, Bill of Rights, Founding." James Madison : His Accomplishments, Ideas, Biography, Legacy, Impact, Western Culture, Civilization: Father of Constitution, Bill of Rights, Founding. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2013.

 "James Madison." Welcome to Montpelier. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.