James Madison

James Madison was born in Orange County, Virginia, on the 16th of March, 1751. He was educated at Princeton College, and was distinguished for his scholarship and ability. He studied law, but never practiced it, preferring the pursuits of literature and statesmanship.

He was elected to the Virginia Legislature, and took an active part in the measures adopted by that body to resist the encroachments of the British government. He was a member of the Continental Congress, and afterward of the convention which framed the Constitution of the United States. He was one of the ablest members of that body, and rendered important services in securing the adoption of the Constitution by the States.

He was the author of a number of the papers in the “Federalist,” and was regarded as one of the foremost expounders of the Constitution. He was elected to Congress, and became one of the leaders of the Republican party. He was appointed Secretary of State by President Jefferson, and in 1808 was elected President of the United States.

He served two terms, and his administration was marked by the second war with Great Britain. He conducted the affairs of the government with great ability, and retired from office with the respect and confidence of the people.

He spent the remainder of his life at his estate, Montpelier, in Virginia, and died on the 28th of June, 1836.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive