Background
Dooley Dangridge Madison was born in Guilford Country, North Carolina, on May 20, 1768, to John and Mary Payne, settlers from Virginia. Raised in a devout Quaker household, she was taught to dress plainly and behave humbly.
First Lady of the United States president's wife
Dooley Dangridge Madison was born in Guilford Country, North Carolina, on May 20, 1768, to John and Mary Payne, settlers from Virginia. Raised in a devout Quaker household, she was taught to dress plainly and behave humbly.
Dooley Madison had received private tutoring and had attended Quaker schools. She also learned to cook and sew.
Quotations: "The profusion of my table is the result of the prosperity of my country, and I shall continue to prefer Virginia liberality to European elegance."
As first lady, Dooley introduced a more elegant style to presidential social occasions. There was a first-ever White House inaugural ball, when she expanded guest lists for parties beyuond the usual political crowd, inviting writers, artists, and other newsmakers. Also she earned her nickname "Lady Presidentess."
She was married twice in her life. The first marridge brought her two children. Her first husband, John Todd, and one of her children died in 1792. She married James Madison in 1794.