There is a historical marker a half mile from my home which simply states "Dolley Madison's birthplace was near here". As I putter through my wooded back yard, I sometimes imagine that a little girl named Dolley may have played here in these once dense woods. I have 70-80 feet tall white oaks and blackjack oaks in my yard that have been here a long time. Who knows, maybe she did. I am near Guilford College which is a Quaker founded school in a county that was founded by Quakers. Her Episcopalian father married her Quaker mother in Virginia, converted to the Quaker faith and moved into North Carolina after their marriage. Dolley was born in Guilford County, North Carolina in 1768. After 15 years her family moved to Philadelphia and she enjoyed a more sofisticated lifestyle. She married an attorney named John Todd in Philadelphia at the age of 21. In 3 years he and their youngest son died on the same day, in a yellow fever epidemic. A vivacious 26 year old with black hair and blue eyes, she was introduced by the infamous Aaron Burr to congressman James Madison and they were married in 1794.
Dolley was a long way from Guilford County and she would never return. James Madison was named Secretary of State for Thomas Jefferson and they moved to Washington. When the widowed Thomas Jefferson needed a hostess for a Presidential Ball, Dolley was asked to assume that position. She grew in grace and popularity as her husband grew toward the presidency. When Jefferson relinquished the presidency in 1808, James Madison began an 8 year tenure with his wife adding much to his legacy.
She was the first president's wife to play an active role in the political process.
She was the first to associate her name and position with a charitable fund raiser when she helped to form a home for orphaned girls in Washington DC.
She initiated the first inaugrual ball to be held by a newly elected president.
Of course, everyone knows she saved valuable White House artifacts from burning in the 1812 invasion of Washington by the British.
Undocumented legends include her initiation of an egg rolling contest on the White House lawn, her persuasion of her husband to keep the capital in Washington after the fire, and her influence to her husband that allowed Francis Scott Key to board the fateful ship that sailed off Ft McHenry while he worded our "Star Spangled Banner".
At her eulogy in 1849, then President Zachary Taylor coined the phrase "First Lady" as he described her many contributions to this country. Dolley Madison set the standard against which all her successors would be held. As I gaze on my yard, I think "Wow" maybe she was right here playing hide and seek behind my trees, Well hello Dolley!
