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Dolley Madison was known as one of the most popular women in the United States of America. Although often referred to as Dorothy or Dorothea, she desired being affectionately called “Dolley.” Therefore, she was referred to as “Dolley” through life.
Dolley Madison was raised in the Quaker Society. In fact, the New Garden Meeting of the Society of Friends met monthly in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was named after Dolley Madison. Greensboro also named a well-known avenue after this woman of character.
Dolley had one son by her first husband, John Todd Jr. He was a lawyer. After three years of marriage, her husband was struck with the yellow-fever epidemic, and he died.
This genuine lady was transforming into a vivacious and appealing personality. She was fun-loving, with a warm character.
James Madison became smitten with Dolley while he was Secretary of State. After stealing his heart, he was quite impatient to call her his bride. Mrs. Washington sent word to Dolley that she must immediately see her in the Executive Mansion. Upon receipt of this invitation, Dolley promptly went to see her. Mrs. Washington asked if it was true that she would soon be marrying Mr. Madison. Dolley gave a negative response, while momentarily looking away from Mrs. Washington.
Mrs. Washington could tell more from Dolley's demeanor than her words, so she told her that it was fine to enjoy her engagement by making it known. She offered her very best wishes to Dolley. Upon receiving such genuine approval from a woman she admired so, Dolley then made it public that she was, indeed, engaged to James Madison.
James and Dolley Madison’s marriage could easily be referred to as “happy,” though there was one dark cloud that continuously hovered over it. Dolley Madison’s son, Payne Todd, was a spendthrift, without care about the way in which he handled funds. His stepfather had sent him to Europe on a diplomatic mission. It was in Europe that
Payne developed the reputation of a playboy and a spendthrift.
Whatever mistakes Madison made as a President, his wife made up for them. She was a wonderful hostess in the White House. When folks were around Dolley Madison, they soon forgot any negative thoughts they may have had pertaining to her husband. Most everyone who entered the doors of the Madison's home felt adored by Dolley. In turn, she received unlimited admiration.
Mrs. Madison loved dipping snuff. Once she pulled out a bandana handkerchief and handed it to Henry Clay, suggesting that it was a gift for his hard work. Immediately thereafter, she presented a fine lace handkerchief of her own, adding that it was the polisher. Fitting all actions with her words, she removed the remains of the snuff from her nose. Henry Clay was simply another admirer of Dolley's.
The British Ambassador Berry and his wife were invited to dine with Mr. Jefferson. At that time, Martha Randolph, Jefferson's daughter, and Dolley Madison, were hostesses at the White House. At the announcement of dinner, Mrs. Madison was standing near President Jefferson, when he offered his arm and seated her at his table. Mrs. Berry felt that to be an insult. It was her feelings that President Jefferson, along with Mrs. Madison, displayed a tremendous lack of etiquette. Never again did this noted couple enter the Presidential Mansion.
On one other occasion, foreigners were enjoying Dolley's style of entertaining. In fact, Dolley was enjoying her style of entertaining as well. A Negro servant delivered to her a platter filled with plentiful amounts of cake and punch. The wife of a foreign minister stated that Mrs. Madison's table looked like a full "Harvest home supper."
Dolley always had a ready answer for anyone who tore at her flesh with words. She simply responded proudly, "The profusion of my table is the result of the prosperity of my
country. Please help yourself." However, she couldn't let it go at that. She added, "I shall continue to prefer Virginian liberality to European elegance."
It was Dolley's social graces that actually made her famous. She was blessed with the desire to give. Many mornings during her life she made time to give to the poor, and usually offered them a couple of hours each time she did so.
President and Dolley Madison enjoyed a pleasant retirement at the Montpelier Plantation in Virginia. Dolley's beloved husband, President James Madison, died at the Plantation in
1836. In the meantime, Payne continued his playboy antics, along with spending money frivolously, including funds that were not his to spend. His debts became so great that it
was necessary for his mother to sell the Montpelier Home, along with its slaves.
With every little whim, Payne Todd gratified himself with compulsive and extravagant spending, even after he'd already seen the pain he'd caused his mother. While she and her niece struggled with the bare necessities of life, he was sending to Europe for rare luxuries. After Dolley Madison bailed her son out and was completely void of funds, she returned to the capital one year later. It was there that friends and acquaintances assisted her with monetary means, and they did so in the most loving of ways.
Dolley Madison remained in Washington until her own death in 1849.
This woman is one of the most cherished First Lady's that has ever lived. Oft times when someone chooses to write an essay or read about a First Lady, Dolley Madison continues high on the list of popularity pertinent to First Ladies. If they didn't know it at the time, they know it once all studies on the First Ladies are completed.
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