The herald., 1893-05-16
A FAMOUS QUAKER MAIDEN.
Dolly 1Fadison's Youth and HorwtShes Met
Dfstinguished Husband. :

Dolly Madison's Youth and HoxgtShes Met
HerDistinguished Husband.
Dolly was the second ofsthe six chill
dren and was named after her lnother's
aunt, Mrs. Patrick Henry. She was
bright, pretty child, whose interesting
chatter and winning ways wonAhosts Of
friends.
Her parents, who were memb1E~of the
Society of Friends, in accordance with
their religion, denied their children all
ornaments and accomplishments save
those Of "a meek and gentle spirit"
Until she was 12 years old Dolly lived
quietly in the country and attended the
village school where most Of er;edrca-
ton was received. Every morning be
fore starting out her sunbonnkb was
sewed securely under her chin by her
careful mother and with thesaddftion Of
white linen mask to still furtlber pro
tect her complexion and long gloves she
trudped along the country roads to the
schoo1house, grotesque little figure.
Very fond Of pretty things, her grand
mother, with whom she was. a great pet,
often made her presents of old fashioned
iewelry, which, not being allowed to
yisibly wear, she sewed into alittle bag
and wore around her neck unsler her
gown.
Her father was one of the first of his
sect in Virginia to become doubtful of
slavery, and his scruples finally led him
to liberate his slaves. sell his plantation
and remove to Philadelphia. Here he
engaged in business, but as his efforts
proved unsuccessful after several years
the family became verymuch reduced in
circumstances.
In the meantime Dollyhad been grow
ing daily In grace and beauty. At 10
she was tall and slender, with ''deli-
cately ovaf face, well forgned textures,
q ssdazzIingly fair" complexion and blue
eyes Of ssrnuch sweetness under her de-
mure Quaker cap"
John Todd, wealthy, good looking
Young lawyer Of the same religion, soon
fell a victim to her charms and made
her ain offer Of marriage wftich she de-
clined, saying she never intended to mar
ry. Hearing of her refusal her father,
who was i'll at the time, Immediately
summoned her to his side and told her
it was his greatest wish to seeher well
provided for before he died, that it would
make him very unhappy 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 very hap
py one. but after the brief space of three
years her husband died, and she was left
o widow at 90. Rich and very attract
i've, she had many admirers.
James Madison, at that time consid-
cred an unreclaimable bachelor. CHANGED
to see her one day while she was out
walking with friend and was so much
impressed with her beauty and grace Of
bearing that he did not rest until he had
obtained the promise Of an introduction.
A few days later she met him at her
own house, and in the first interview cap
tured his heart. She wore on this occa-
sion a gown of mulberry satin, with a
silk tulle kerchief over her neck and on
her head dainty cap, from which the
curls would escape"
An engagement soon followed, and in
! September, 1894, Mrs. Todd, accompa-
MED Dy the 6lAIlOfeu lftulbOu dtiu beV-
eral friends, left Philadelphia for Hare
wood--her sisters estate in Virginia
where the marriage ceremony was to
take place. The journey occupied a
week, but the weather was delightful,
and it was accomplished without Incl
dent
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 momentos Of the oc-
casion the girls cut the mechlin lace
from Mr.. Madison's shirt rufdes, and
amid showers of rice the laughing bride
and groom drove off to spend their
honeymoon at Montpelier.
The close of the year found them back
in Virginia, where, at her husbands re-
quest, Mrs. Madison laid aside her Quak-
er dress and for the first time in her life
began to enjoy society. = New York
| Times,