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Dolley Payne Todd Madison is Born
Dolley Payne Todd Madison was born on May 20, 1768 in Guilford County, North Carolina. She was the fourth child out of eight. She had four brothers and three sisters -
Dolley attends school
Dolley attends school with her brothers, Walter Payne, William Temple Payne, Isaac Payne, and John C. Payne at the Cedar Creek Friends meetinghouse in Virginia. This event is important to Dolley's life because it is where she gains her knowledge. -
First Marriage
At 21 years old, Dolley marries lawyer, John Todd, on January 7, 1790 at Pine Street Metting House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They had two children. John Payne Todd, and William Isaac Todd, -
Dolley's first husband and second child die
Dolley Madison's first husband, John Todd, died from a Yellow Fever Epidemic. Her second child, William Isaac Todd, died on the same day. He was only three months old. -
Dolley marries James Madison
At 26 years old, Dolley marries her second husband, James Madison. After their wedding, they lived in a classic three-story Spruce Streetbrick house. After James retired, they moved to the Madison's Family Plantation in Orange, Virginia, Montpelier. -
The Madison's move to Washington
James and Dolley would begin a 16 year adventure in the new capital city, Washington. James was 50 years old and Dolley was 33 years old. This is where they will spend the next 16 years and James will become president and Dolley will become the First Lady of the United States. -
First Lady
James Madison took office and Dolley became the first lady. She was the first president's wife to preside over the growing society of Washington. Dolley was a very socialble and engaged first lady. -
Presidential Inauguration
Captain Tom Tingey requested Dolley Madison's permission and sponsorship of a dance and dinner. The event began at 7 that night. Dolley entered in a buff-colored velvet gown, wearing pearls and large plumes in a turban. She made a dramatic impression on the crowd. -
The Madison's Retire
The Madison's retire to Montpelier. Their mansion had been remodeled and enlarged. During their years of retirement, the Madison's were greeted by many visitors. -
James Madison dies
Dolley's husband, James Madison, dies on June 28, 1836. After Madison's death, Dolley had a difficult time. She did not get the money she was hoping for. She struggled finacially and eventually had to sell the mansion in Montpelier. -
Dolley dies
Dolley Madison dies on July 12, 1849 at the age of 81. Her funeral was held at St. John's Episcopal church on July 16. Thousands of people paid theri respects and said their goodbyes.
