James Madison was born on March 16, 1751 in Port Conway, Virginia. His father was James Madison and his mother was Nelly Conway Madison. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). President James Madison is revered as “The Father of our Constitution.” He served as our nation’s 4^th President from March 4, 1809 to March 3, 1817.

     Mr. Madison was a lawyer. He was a member of The Virginia Constitutional Convention, The Continental Congress, The Virginia Legislature, The U.S. Constitutional Convention and The U.S. House of Representatives. He also served brilliantly as U.S. Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson.

     James Madison married Dolley Payne Todd in 1794. She became one of America’s most beloved First Ladies. They had no children. Mr. Madison was our first President to have had prior service as a Congressman. During the War of 1812, he actually came under enemy fire. He was the first President to wear long trousers – the others, before him, had all worn knee breeches. At 5’ 4” tall and weighing less than 100 pounds, physically he was our smallest President… but his many important accomplishments have made him a towering giant in the history of the U.S.A.

     President James Madison died on June 26, 1836 at Montpelier, Virginia. He was 85. Later, in 1844, Dolley Madison became the very first person to send a telegram. She died in 1849.