James Madison

Born: March 16, 1751 Died: June 28, 1836

James Madison was born in 1751 and was brought up in Orange County, Virginia. He attended Princeton, which was called the College of New Jersey at the time. James’ mother’s name was Nelly. His father, also named James, was a slave owner and planter. 

James Madison served in the continental congress and was Jeffersons’ Secretary of State. He also helped to write the Federalist Papers, which were a major contribution to the ratification of the constitution. He is sometimes referred to as “The Father of the Constitution” Madison disagreed with Hamilton’s financial proposals, leading to the development of the Republican, or Jeffersonian party.

James Madison was married to Dolley Payne Todd. She was a widow who already had one son. He was 43 and she was 26 when they got married. They had very different personalities and Jefferson was generally much more quiet and reserved than Dolley was. Dolley loved entertaining and she hosted many dinner parties and receptions which allowed James to meet different influential people of his time. 

Madison was elected the fourth president of the US in 1808 and served as president from 1809 to 1817. He asked congress to declare war on June first of 1812. It turned out The United States was not really ready to fight and the White House was burned down. However, many Americans were convinced that the war had been glorious and successful because of a few military victories and other triumphs. Madison claimed to be opposed to slavery even though he owned around one hundred enslaved people. 

James Madison Died at age 85 on June 28, 1836 of congestive heart failure.