Category Archives: James Madison

Richard M. Johnson: Scandalized Vice President

Richard Mentor Johnson was our first VP Johnson. Andrew (2) and Lyndon (3) came later. RMJ: Kentuckian Richard Mentor Johnson (1780-1850), was born/raised near what is now Louisville, KY when the area was still part of Virginia. His was a … Continue reading

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Burying James Monroe – Again

A quarter century after James Monroe died, he was buried. Again. James Monroe, Virginian Like his close friends and Revolutionary companions Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, James Monroe (1758-1831) had strong ties to Virginia. Monroe could arguably considered the one … Continue reading

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Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: A Book Review

This is a book for middle-school readers. Eons ago, when old-me was a very very young-me, Scribner’s published as “Scribner’s Junior” – a series of biographies geared to perhaps second through sixth grades, depending on reading skills. (Mine were excellent!) … Continue reading

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James Monroe: The Hats Story

James Monroe came to office with more executive, legislative and diplomatic experience than any previous POTUS. JM: The Fellow In A Tricorn James Monroe (1758-1831) was the last of the Virginia Triumvirate: three-in-a-row two-term Presidents serving between 1800-1824. Born in … Continue reading

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James Madison and the Secret Convention

James Madison has always been designated The Father of the Constitution. James Madison: A Brief Run-Up James Madison (1751-1836) was the eldest son of a well-to-do planting family in central Virginia. Slight of stature (between 5’1 and 5’6” depending on … Continue reading

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George Clinton: VP 4 and Maybe 5

Everyone knows John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, VPs 1 and 2. Some know Aaron Burr, VP 3. But George Clinton? George Clinton’s Qualifications George Clinton (1739-1812) was a New Yorker from upstate, considered among our Founding Fathers (perhaps minor, but … Continue reading

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Dolley Madison: Some Evicted Evening

Dolley Madison’s reputation as the most popular First Lady is enshrined for all times…except Washington: The Summer of 1814 Whether he wanted it or not, President James Madison found himself embroiled in the War of 1812, in essence, the “second” … Continue reading

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Lafayette’s Sentimental Journey: 1824-25

The Marquis de Lafayette was only nineteen when he was appointed Major General in the American Continental Army. The Marquis: A Quick Background: The Marquis Gilbert (with a pile of middle names) de Lafayette (1757-1834) was one of the wealthiest … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, John Adams, Nifty History People, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Dolley Madison: The Recipe Swap

  Just as the Madison parlor was always full, so was their dining table. The Early Madison Years When the young widow Dolley Payne Todd became Mrs. James Madison in 1794, their first two years were spent in Philadelphia, then … Continue reading

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Dolley Madison’s Son Payne Todd: The Final Blow

Dolley Madison’s son, Payne Todd, had always been a disappointment. Payne Todd in Brief Dolley Madison (1768-1849) had been married to John Todd, a Quaker lawyer, for three years. Then he died, leaving her with a two-year-old son. When she … Continue reading

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