Category Archives: James Madison

The Madisons: His Hat and Her Cushion

The War of 1812 was seminal for James and Dolley Madison. The Unlikely Commander-in-Chief James Madison (1751-1836) was one of the most unwarlike men to serve as President of the United States, and thus Commander-in-Chief of the military. Following in … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, James Madison, Nifty History People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dolley Madison: Decorating the White House

Dolley Madison was 41 years old when she became First Lady in 1809… But… For eight years prior to 1809, she served frequently as de facto FLOTUS for President Thomas Jefferson, a widower. Even prior to the Jefferson Administration, Dolley … Continue reading

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, James Madison, Nifty History People, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, Andrew Jackson, James Madison, Martin Van Buren, Nifty History People, William Henry Harrison | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, James Madison, Nifty History People, Recommended Reading | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, Nifty History People, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, George Washington, James Madison, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Nifty History People, Thomas Jefferson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Posted in A POTUS-FLOTUS Blog, James Madison | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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