Here we see a portrait of Dolley Payne Todd Madison (1768-1849) that is housed in the Greensboro Historical Museum. Not only did Dolley Madison, wife of 4th President James Madison, sleep in Greensboro, she was BORN here. She was born in Greensboro's New Garden Community to Quaker mother Mary Cole and soon-to-convert father, John Payne. About a year after her birth, the family moved back to their native Virginia; however, Dolley Madison's connection to Greensboro and the thriving Quaker community was strong. As we began researching Dolley Madison for GDP, we concluded that she is underrepresented in our community. We would only find information about her at the Historical Museum. To our knowledge there is no statue of this vibrant, active, First Lady. We would like to start a "Fund a Statue of Dolley Madison Campaign" right here. Perhaps a local organization could take on this effort as we don't have a way to collect money!
According to the plaque at the Greensboro Historical Museum, the above portrait is attributed to John Vanderlyn, painted around 1850.
Good luck! She was a very interesting person, in her own right.
Posted by: Bill B | Monday, October 18, 2010 at 06:52 AM