The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-04-22
A FAMOUS LITTLE QUAKER.

Dolly Madison's Youth and How She Met
Her Distinguished Husband.
Dolly was the second of six children and
was named after her mothers aunt. Mrs.
Patrick Henry. She was . bright. pretty
child, whose interesting chatter and win
ming ways won hosts OF friendA
Her parents. who we're members Of The
Society Of Friends. in accordance with their
ments and accomplishments. save those of
q "meek and gentle spirit"
Until she was ~ years old Dolly lived
quietly In the village aud attended the VII
lags school. whore most of her education
was received. Every morning before start
under her chin by her careful mother, and
with the cddition Of . white linen mask to
still further protect her complexion. and
long gloves, she trudged along the road to
the schoolhouse. a grotssque little figure.
Very fond of pretty things. her grand
mother. with whom she was a great pet,
often made her presents of old.fashioned
jewelry. which. not being allowed to visibly
wear. she sewed into a little bag and wore
around her neck under her gown.
Her father was one of the first of his sect
In Virginia to become doubtful of slavery.
and his ~soruples finally led him to liberate
his slaves, sell his plantation, and remove
to Philadelphia. Here he engaged in busi-
ness; but as his efforts proved unsuccessful
after several years the family became very
much reduced in circumstances.
In the meantime Dolly had been growing
daily IN grace and beauty. At 10 she WAS
tall and slender, with a 'delicately oval'
fair complexion, and blue eyes OF much
sweetness under her demure Quaker cap"
John Todd, a wealthy. ~good-looking
young lawyer Of the same religion, soon
fell a victim to her charms and made her
an offer of marriage. which she declined,
saying she never intended to marry. Hea :
ing of her refusal her father. who was ill at
the time. Immediately summoned her to
his side, and told her 1t was his greatest
wish to see her we'll provided for before he
died and that it would make him very IN
happy if she persisted in her refusal, so
like dutiful daughter she reversed her
decision and became the wife of John
Todd.
Her marriage proved to be a very happy
one, but after the brief space of three
years her husband died and she was left a
widow at %. Rich and very attractive. she
had many admirers.
James Madison, at that time considered
IN irreclaimable bachelor, CHANGED to see
her one day while she was out walking with
q friend, and was so much impressed with
her beauty and grace of bearing that he did
not rest until he had obtained the promise
o. al luttOOUCblOAs
A few days later she met him at her own
house and in the first interview captured
his heart. She wore on this occasion n
gown of mulberry satin, with a silk tulle
kerchisf over her neck. and on her head a
dainty cap. from which the curls would es-
cape"
An engagement soon followed. md in
Septembe,, 1874. Mrs. Todd. accompanied
by the ensmored Madison and several
friends. left PHILADELPHIA for HARDWOOD
her sisters estate in Virelnia-wnere the
marriage ceremony was to take place. The
journey occupied a week, but the weather
was delightful. and it was accomplished
without incident.
Friends and relatives from far and near
were assembled to greet the bridal party.
and many of them remained for days after
the wedding to keep up the festivities. For
mementoes of the occusion the III Is cut the
mechlin lace from Mr.. Madison's shirt
RIFLES. and amid showers of rice, the
laughing bride and groom drove off to spend
their honeymoon ut Montpelier.
The close of the year found them back in
Virginia. where. at her husbands request,
Mrs. Madison laid aside her Quaker dress
and for the first time in her life began to
enjoy sooiety.-New York Times.