Dolley Payne Todd Madison (1768-1849) – Payne Todd was born in New Garden, North Carolina and moved with her family to Philadelphia at age 15. She was living in the city with her husband, John, when yellow fever swept through in 1793, killing her husband, their infant son and her parents-in-law. Less than a year later, in May 1794, James Madison, serving in Congress in Philadelphia, asked his friend Aaron Burr to introduce him to Payne Todd. The two married in that September and lived in Philadelphia for three more years. While James Madison served as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson, a widower, Payne Todd Madison performed the duties of first lady, hosting receptions and events. In 1808, James Madison was elected president and Payne Todd Madison officially assumed and mastered the role of First Lady, becoming popular and respected for her brilliant hosting and conversation.