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Birth
Dolley Madison was born. -
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First Husband
Dolley Madison (nee Payne) married John Todd and helped him with his legal work/managed the household. During this time she also had two children, named John Payne Todd and William Todd. -
First Husband Photo
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Death in the Family
John Todd and her son William Todd died of yellow fever -
Next Marriage
Dolley Madison married James Madison. During the time they lived at Montepelier (James' estate) she helped him with legal work, maintained the household/the enslaved people, and took care of her son and dying mother. -
The Move to D.C. Photo
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The Move to D.C.
Dolley Madison moved with James to Washington D.C. because James became Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State. While they lived in D.C., Dolley organized nearly all of the events and parties at the White House for Thomas Jefferson, to the point at which she was often called the "Presidentress" even though she wasn't in office. She also boosted fundraising for the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Washington Monument. Doing all of this gave her a huge public image, which ended up helping later. -
First Lady Photo
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First Lady
While James was President, she was setting a huge precedent for future first ladies. She proved imperative to different political endeavors, because she was extremely hospitable to foreign ambassadors, and was able to gain information on their political stance and sway their opinions. She also was a board member, fundraiser, and supporter for a girls' orphan home that she founded. -
The War of 1812
While technically the only thing that she carried herself was the silverware, when she got notice to evacuate the White House she refused to leave until the servants grabbed two things: the famous portrait of George Washington, and her parrot, Polly. -
Fun facts
From this point on, she started an annual egg-rolling contest on the lawn of the still-being-built Capitol Building. She also popularized the dessert of ice cream by having ice cream at a lot of her parties, though George Washington was the first person in America to own an ice cream maker. -
The Move Back to Montepelier
After James' term, they moved back to Montepelier, where she ended up doing almost everything, as James was dying. -
James Dies
James dies of congestive heart failure. Her debt from her one living son, who had become an alcoholic and a gambler after he had negotiated the treaty of Ghent, was steadily increasing. -
Moving Back to D.C.
Dolley Madison moved back to D.C. to one of her late husband's apartments after selling Montepelier to get back out of debt. -
Her Continued Fame Photo
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Her Continued Fame
She was awarded an honorary seat at Congress, so that she could listen to the debates and such and give her thoughts on it. She also was the first person to send a private telegram, continued to be a public influencer, and helped other first ladies do their jobs. -
Last Public Appearance
Dolley Madison's last public appearance was as a guest of honour at James K. Polk's last White House reception. -
Death
Dolley Madison died.
