Dolley Madison: Trendsetter and Patriot

Much more than those before her, Dolley Madison embraced her role as First Lady. In fact, through the circumstances at the time, she had trained for the role. Prior to James Madison being elected to the Presidency, he served as Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State for eight years. As President Jefferson's wife had passed away prior to his Presidenct, Dolley Madison helped to fill the role of hostess during those years. She seemed to believe that it was her duty to serve not only her President husband, but also her country. She engaged political figures and their spouses to learn more about them and their positions on issues. She updated the decor of the White House so that it was suitable to accept foreign heads of state. Using her personality and her sense of style, she changed the role of First Lady going forward.

Fast Facts

• Born: May 20, 1768
• Hometown: Goochland County, Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Married: January 7, 1790 to John Todd, widowed 1793
• Married: September 15, 1794 to James Madison
• Children: John & William * (William died at the age of 3 months during the same yellow fever epidemic that claimed his father.)
• Death: July 12, 1849

Favorite Causes

Mrs. Madison may be responsible for the current expectation that the First Lady support and become active with charitable causes and/or social issues. She was the first to formally support specific projects. In fact, she helped to found a home for orphaned young girls and also supported a group of Catholic nuns.

Like those that followed her, Dolley Madison was concerned with the decor of the White House and the rpeservation of its artificats. During the War of 1812, she refused to leave the White House until the portrait of George Washington was safely removed and taken to safety. I'm not sure any of those who filled the role later have had to show their support in this area so dramatically.

Quotes

"It is done...the precious portrait placed in the hands of the gentlemen for safe keeping."

"It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire a knowledge of other people's business."

"I am accordingly ready; I have pressed as many Cabinet papers into trunks as to fill one carriage; our private property must be sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its transportation."

Other Trivia

• She was expelled from the Quaker religion for her marriage to James Madison. His faith was Episcopalian.
• She was the first private citizen to transmit a message via telegraph. This honor was bestowed upon her by the inventory Samuel Morse.

Final Thoughts

Although not confirmed, it is reported that Dolley Madison was the first President's wife to be referred to as the First Lady. It seems befitting a woman who initiated such important change to the role. Her attention to the decor of the White House, her own attire and her cementing her own role as hostess, all assisted her husband and her country. It is amazing to me that a woman who survived so many hardships in her life still had so much left to give.