Dolley Madison (First Ladies)

Dolley Madison is a biography about the life of Dolley Payne. Dolley was born in North Carolina but was raised in Virginia. Dolley grew up as a Quaker, but disliked the many rules she had to follow. She married John Todd and had one son John Payne. Dolley’s second son, William Temple, as well as

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her husband died of yellow fever in 1793. Dolley was introduced to James Madison, who was 17 years older than her. James was very shy but liked Dolley very much so he wrote her many letters and in 1794, they were married. Dolley was happy to leave the Quakers religion. At first, Dolley held parties for President Jefferson since James was his Secretary of State. In 1809, James Madison was appointed President and Dolley began to host her own parties and made every guest feel welcome. Dolley became famous for her actions during the War of 1812 when she packed away important government documents and fled the city so that the British could not get these documents.

I thought this book was an awesome tribute to Dolley and it told the most important aspects in her life. This book should be an inspiration to all little girls to be the best that they can.

I would use this book to have the students write a biography of their life since they started school and what they have accomplished. I would then use Dolley’s story and bring to life the past and the importance of what she did for our country.

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