First Ladies: Dolley Madison

 First Ladies: Dolley Madison by ric gustafson

Dolley Madison was a flashy first lady. She had superb social skills. Dolley Madison had an unusual background. She was raised as a Quaker. When Dolley's father business failed, Dolley's mother opened a boardinghouse for politicians. Dolley helped run it. Dolley's life turned tragic early. Her husband Alas died from yellow fever. Dolley's new baby died. She became a widow with a young son to take care of.

A few months later, Virginia congressman James Madison asked her out on a date. He was a Founding Father of the new US Constitution and the new Bill of Rights. 

Madison was seventeen years older than Dolley. He was shy and very quiet. Soon after, Dolley and her son joined James at his estate named Montpelier. Dolley was an extrovert with social graces to spare. 

When James became President, Dolley started hosting dinners on Wednesday's. This helped ease a fragile country with the War of 1812 on the horizon. Being an extrovert and her husband an introvert, Dolley was in charge of these Wed dinners. She was short and liked to carry a snuffbox. 

In 1814, the British attacked Washington. The British set the White House on fire. James and Dolley had to move a few blocks away at the Octagon House. Dolley kept the Wed dinners going.

When James Madison died, he and Dolley had been married for 41 years. She mourned him. She moved back to Washington. 

Dolley Madison died at age 81. She had had a stroke. She knew her place in history.

research help: ' America's First Ladies' by Kathleen Krull

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric