Dolley Madison was born on May 20, 1768, in Guilford County, North Carolina, into a Quaker family with eight children. When she was an infant, the family moved to Scotchtown in Hanover County, Virginia. At fifteen, Dolley and her family moved again to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On January 7, 1790, Dolley married John Todd Jr., a lawyer and fellow Quaker. They had two children, John Payne and William Temple. Tragically, an outbreak of yellow fever in 1793 claimed the lives of her husband and young William, leaving Dolley a widow.
U.S. Senator Aaron Burr introduced Dolley to James Madison. Martha Washington encouraged their union. On September 14, 1794, they married. Dolley, James, and her son Payne moved to Montpelier, the Madison family estate in Virginia.
In 1801, when Thomas Jefferson appointed James Madison Secretary of State, the family moved to Washington, D.C. Since Jefferson was a widower, Dolley often served as hostess for White House events, a role she performed with charm and grace.
James Madison became the fourth President in 1809. Dolley organized the first inaugural ball that same year. She was admired for her hospitality during the eight years they lived in the White House. In 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops set the White House on fire. Dolley stayed behind long enough to save important state papers and the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington.
After James Madison’s presidency ended, the couple retired to Montpelier. James died on June 28, 1836. Dolley later returned to Washington, D.C., where she lived until her death on July 12, 1849.
1. What was Dolley Madison’s most famous act during the War of 1812?
2. Which statement BEST describes Dolley Madison’s personality based on her role as First Lady?
3. What does the text suggest about Dolley Madison’s life after James Madison’s presidency?
4. Compare Dolley Madison’s role as hostess during Jefferson’s presidency with her role as First Lady. What was similar?
5. Which sentence BEST states the main idea of the passage?
6. Why did Dolley Madison move to Washington, D.C., in 1801?
7. What can you infer about the relationship between Dolley Madison and Martha Washington?