Biography

Dolley was born on May 20, 1768 to John Payne and Mary Coles Payne. She was raised a Quaker, but was later confirmed as an Episcopalian. She was married at 21 years of age to John Todd, a lawyer who died of yellow fever in 1793. Dolley had two sons with John Todd, one died as a child.  At 24 years of age she married James Madison, US Congressman for Virginia. James Madison served as President of the United States from 1809 to 1817, including through the War of 1812. Dolley is most famously known for saving a portrait of George Washington from burning when the British Army burned down the White House during this war. As First Lady she also served as a fundraiser and board member and helped to found a home for young orphaned girls in Washington, D.C. In 1817 Dolley and James returned to the Montpelier plantation in Virginia. After James' death Dolley moved back to Washington and sold the plantation.