THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF the M adison F amily Descendants 2012 Newsletter Our Montpelier Revisited: Triennial Reunion Brings Family Connection Home Again

No one is more polite and has more attention and regard than he (Madison) for those whom he has received under his hospitable roof. Le Baron de Montlezun, Voyages 1818

No less than any of President Madison’s many visitors from and their helpers – particularly Susan Fogg, Linda Jester, Ann home or abroad, the Baron de Montlezun had a quick and incisive Thornton, Ed Kube, DeLane Porter, Gail Babnew and The appreciation of the presiding genius of hospitality as well as the Montpelier Foundation’s Phyllis Johnson – have veritably set a personal and, more importantly, philosophical generosity that standard for these events that family members belonging to some of transcended mere tolerance that dominated our family’s immediate the country’s most distinguished genealogical and family societies circle in his day. and associations say are seldom if ever equaled anywhere else. Our 2012 Triennial Reunion brought together more than We were particularly grateful this year to have as our guests 200 of our connection for a rare weekend of incomparable early this year two very distinguished Madison scholars, Ralph Ketcham summer weather, splendid foods, wines and genuine family feeling and Jeff Broadwater, as well as Greg and Anna May of The that our generational memory and unique interaction with the Montpelier Foundation. evolving, restored splendors of the estate both amplify and deeply In recognition of his lifelong work in helping to restore an endear. understanding of President Madison’s defining contribution to the But none of this happens on its own, of course, and the nation’s polity and character, we were greatly flattered that Ralph dedicated, long work of love, skill and uncompromising taste agreed to accept our second only Lifetime Achievement Award. Of brought to this weekend by our 2012 Reunion Committee Continued on page 2 Our Montpelier Revisited: Triennial Reunion Brings Family Connection Home Again Continued from page 1 all our members and guests attending this year, Ralph must have Madison intended it should be; in fact, without it, he believed it taken away many memories equal to the extraordinary energy and was simply impossible for the experiment of his great Extended enthusiasm he displayed throughout the weekend, not least in his Republic to survive at all. first visit to “Bloomsbury” - courtesy of our Helen Marie Taylor Few modern presidential historians working today, especially - and the challenge to his vintage automotive mechanic skills that those in the celebrity press to whom President Madison’s work and ensued. ideas are seen as quaint, congenitally defective, unworkable and Jeff Broadwater’s Saturday lecture was a thoughtful and precious historical blips in the evolution of the Republic, seem thought-provoking first course for our weekend; the attention that willing to acknowledge the true existential importance of that scholars of his generation are bringing to President Madison’s life work, and many of them seem to have opted for the glorification of and work is a unique source of hope and encouragement, obviously impassioned, unrelenting and combative divisiveness more typical to us as well as others, in a political culture that often seems of Andrew Jackson’s example and ideals – ideals and character that increasingly neglectful or downright dismissive of its core beliefs filled President Madison with a foreboding amply justified by the and aims. increasingly violent and divisive path of his country in the ensuing Philosophical generosity, famed hospitality, architectural course of the 19th century. and historical splendor and taste, family feeling – from the It was the cornerstone of his political and social understanding, outside as well as from within, all this might seem to be little rooted in his deeply held religious belief in “liberty of conscience,” more than self-serving or self-celebratory social and historical that made it impossible for President Madison to excoriate his bona fides on our part, but as Ralph and Jeff in the present political opponents or even deeply begrudge their opposition generation surely know better than most, and as many of President simply because he believed that it was irretrievable immoral to Madison’s contemporaries knew, there was something in all this dislike, much less hate, others because they held differing political – most particularly in his understanding of a true and heartfelt or religious beliefs, and political leaders, above all others, had a philosophical generosity - that was not merely an expression of his duty to exemplify that philosophical generosity in thought, speech personal character and that of the best of his immediate family and action. circle. It was meant to be a defining hallmark of the nation’s The recipient of unequalled praise and lasting renown at character and most especially its political leadership as President the close of his tenure and throughout his retirement, President

From left, Bill Moore, Jim Macon, Caroline Macon, Iris Eaton, Ridge Porter, Susan Jamieson and Bill Harris at the Saturday Barbecue.

Drs. Jeff Broadwater and Ralph Ketcham, from left, with NSMFD Board Member Peggy Rhoads and Anna and Greg May, Chairman of The Montpelier Foundation, at the awarding of The NSMFD Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Ketcham at our Saturday dinner in Judith and Douglas Jessup, from left, with Helen Marie Taylor at the The Grand Salon at Montpelier’s Visitor Center. Saturday Barbecue. –2– Madison tread no easy path to those plaudits. And although as hospitable roof - that the work of The Montpelier Foundation, Charles J. Ingersoll observed ”no one has been more abused than Ralph Ketcham, Jeff Broadwater, our family, and those genuinely Madison” was in office, he steadily and conscientiously refused to seeking a justly evolving community among ourselves and all take offense, strike back or enact revenge on his opponents or those nations must strive hourly to extend and to perfect? with whom he disagreed politically, even in the face of disapproval from those of his own party - even from Jefferson – and rather very - Frederick Madison Smith, actively sought to help them by elevating them to important office, NSMFD President as he did Joseph Story, or helping them in cases of genuine personal and family distress, as he did his beloved college friend “Light Horse Harry” Lee. The degree to which any of the nation’s present leadership – presidential, senatorial, congressional or judicial or even its citizenry considered more largely who choose them – either wish to, or in fact do, understand, much less exemplify, this is the continuing “weighed in the balance” question of all our generations. As a family connection, this understanding and an appreciation of it is something we can sometimes take very easily for granted among ourselves and those like-minded, and it can be hugely frustrating, bewildering and disheartening to find a resistance, indifference or hostility to it in the academic or celebrity historical press, no less than in the popular political culture. But our reunions – and the work of our family association more generally – give us a unique opportunity to remind ourselves From left, Sarah Palmer Garrett, Margaret Larson, Traynham Larson, as much as a duty to remind others continually that a “well- John Garrett, and Elizabeth Garrett at our champagne and ginger ale founded Republic may prove immortal because the sense of justice reception on the back lawn. on which it is founded never dies out of the hearts and minds of the people.” And what, really, is that “sense of justice” more than that convinced philosophical generosity - President Madison’s true

Caroline Macon, NSMFD Board Member Carlo Capomazza di Campolattaro, DeLane Porter and Rosamonde Capomazza di Campolattaro following our closing Sunday Brunch.

John and Dana Faulconer with our guest Helen Hammond at Saturday’s champagne reception.

Luke and Jack Parsells, from left, with Carter Ley at our champagne and Katherine Nichols and Henry Alberg on the back portico at the champagne ginger ale reception on the back lawn. reception. –3– “Fandango in the Halls of Montezuma”: The Aztec Club of 1847

By Frederick Madison Smith, NSMFD establish a gentleman’s club in the city to inculcate and stimulate patriotism and President to provide for social entertaining during to bring to all the people e a knowledge their stay, and on October 13, 1847, they of the benefits guaranteed to them by the “Let them come; damned if they don’t go back did just that, organizing The Aztec Club Constitution of these United States.” a good deal faster than they came.” of 1847 and choosing for their home the In addition to President Taylor, residence of the Mexican diplomat Maria members of the Club have included two - President (then Gen.) to Boca Negra on the city’s grand Zocalo, a other U.S. Presidents, and a war correspondent on being told Santa building still in use today. Ulysses S. Grant, as well as famed army Anna’s vast Mexican Army was shortly Following the withdrawal of our troops and navy officers such as Robert E. Lee, approaching to Saltillo in February, 1847. from Mexico, The Aztec Club was officially , George C. Mead, James adjourned until 1852 for the election of Longstreet, Edmund Kirby-Smith, Joseph new officers, although regular meetings did Johnston, George McClellan, John B. not resume until 1867. In 1888, a formal Magruder and Pierre G.T. Beauregard. meeting in adopted a new NSMFD Boad Member Carlo constitution for the club that established Capomazza di Campolattaro – a direct a more permanent organization. By the descendant of President Taylor and himself 1920s, the club had gained ceremonial a member of The Aztec Club – notes that recognition from the National Executive, many of our NSMFD members qualify for and the club’s officers were first received Aztec Club membership based on “descent, by President Warren Harding as next in direct or collateral, from a commissioned precedent to those of The Society of the offier of the Army, Navy or Marine Corps Cincinnati. who served in any part of Mexico or According to the Aztec Club’s state adjacent waters during the Mexican War, object, the club was established “with a view 1846-1848.” to cherishing the memories and keeping Membership in The Aztec Club or alive the traditions that cluster about the 1847 is by invitation only; more specific names of those officers who took part in the information on the Club, membership and Mexican War of 1846, ’47 and ’48, and also activities is available on the club’s website at to aiding other patriotic societies in efforts http://www.azteclub.com.

President Zachary Taylor ca. 1844, by Matthew Brady. The Library of Congress Collections.

Long celebrated as the war which added an empire, to an empire – The Mexican War was the proving ground of a new generation of American military talent in the 1840s that were fielded as a professionally-trained army very much advanced from the national model which President Madison, perforce, relied on in The War of 1812 Adding the territories of what are today California, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and Texas to our national boundaries, the Mexican War also brought lasting and exalted fame to President Madison’s second cousin, General Zachary Taylor, and indeed largely helped to catapault the latter into the presidential General Winfield Scott and his troops entering the Zocalo of on September 14, 1847 to office itself. accept the formal surrender of the city; the residence of Jose Maria Bocanegra, first home to The Aztec Our officers in the occupation army Club of 1847, is to the left with the Metropolitan Cathedral in the center and the National Palace to of Mexico City in 1847 were anxious to the right. Lithograph from a painting by Carl Nebel. –4– Madison Biographer Speaks at Reunion 2012 By Susan Garrett, face of almost unprecedented lev- NSMFD Director els of dissent. His contemporaries put a premium on fidelity to the The timing couldn’t have Constitution, and however his- been better. A couple of years ago tory has judged him, they consid- in a meeting at the University of ered the unassuming Madison to North Carolina Press, where I be one of our greatest presidents.” work, it was announced that the For more of Broadwater’s publication date of historian Jeff comments, see the UNC Press Broadwater’s new book would be blog on this topic and others: Spring 2012. Perfect, I thought. http://bit.ly/M1tIzm . This new book wasn’t just any After concluding his remarks book. It was James Madison: A and answering questions from Son of Virginia and a Founder our group, we gathered in the of the Nation. Its arrival in book- Visitor’s Center shop where Jeff stores would coincide with our signed copies of his book. I think triennial Madison Family reunion Rick and his crew sold quite a few in June 2012, and with luck, copies! maybe the author would join us. The Broadwaters joined our So early last spring, after a Madison family for the lovely hundred or so emails between Dr. dinner in the Salon that Saturday Broadwater, NSMFD President night and by their accounts, they Frederick Smith, the inimitable thoroughly enjoyed their stay at Phyllis Johnson of Montpelier, Montpelier, exploring the house Rick Payne of the Montpelier and grounds, and meeting the Museum Shop, and who knows extended Madison family. I hope who else, we arranged a time for they enjoyed their role as our a Broadwater lecture and book honored guests. I certainly did. signing during our reunion week- end. Praise for James Madison: A Jeff Broadwater and his Son of Virginia and a Founder charming wife, Cyndi, arrived Susan Garrett, NSMFD Director and Author Jeff Broadwater of the Nation “Deal[s] with the on Friday evening and we were whole man and with the complete lucky enough to put them up in one of the youngest cousins in attendance seemed story of [Madison’s] life insofar as the biog- cozy Montpelier cottages for the weekend. attentive and interested. Our lecture took rapher can limn it. . . . Restore[s] Madison’s I had met Jeff briefly at UNC Press a few place on June 16, 2012, exactly two days humanity.”--The Wall Street Journal years prior, but hadn’t seen him since we’d before the 200th anniversary of the day “Meticulously researched and surprisingly become pen-pals in our efforts to engage that Madison signed into law the United readable. . . . History buffs and early- him for this event. After a jolly re-meeting States’ first ever declaration of war against America aficionados will find Broadwater’s on Saturday morning, the Broadwaters Great Britain, the War of 1812. It was work indispensable.”—Publishers Weekly joined us for our picnic lunch outside timely then that Broadwater concentrated “[Broadwater’s] biography is very solid and the Visitor’s Center. Ready for some air- his remarks on Madison’s role as a war- scholarly. . . the best medium-sized life of conditioning and a comfortable seat, we time President. While many have claimed Madison that we have.”-- Gordon S. Wood, gathered after lunch in the Grand Salon off Madison’s Presidency was permanently The New York Review of Books the DuPont Gallery for our lecture. stained by his actions during the War of Just so you know, Jeff Broadwater 1812, Broadwater sees it differently: You may order James Madison: A (Ph.D. Vanderbilt, 1976; JD University “For Madison, the War of 1812 was Son of Virginia of Arkansas, 1979) is professor of his- more than a trial of American arms; it was and a Founder of tory at Barton College in Wilson, NC. a test of republican government. Fearful the Nation, by Jeff He is also the winner of the Virginia of an imperial presidency, Madison met Broadwater from Historical Society’s Richard Slatten Award the challenge and hewed to the confines UNC Press by call- for Excellence in Historical Biography of the Constitution. The nation barely ing 1-800-848-6224 and author of George Mason, Forgotten muddled through, yet when peace came, or online at www. Founder (UNC Press, 2006) as well as two most Americans, including his old rival uncpress.unc.edu. other books. John Adams, believed Madison had been a The book is avail- I can see why his students would enjoy splendid chief executive. He had not tried able at amazon.com him as a lecturer: he’s witty, funny, and to set the national agenda, but he won and at bookstores conversational. At our meeting, even the praise for respecting civil liberties in the nationwide. –5– The 2012 Madison Family Cup Award to the Ladies Committee of the Dolley Madison Legacy Luncheon

Remarks by NSMFD President Frederick Madison Smith, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at the Montpelier Races Hunt Breakfast

Thank you, Sean – and a further thank you to The Montpelier Foundation for allowing my family to come again this year and present this cup in recognition of significant achievement in pre- serving and restoring this estate. One of Alan Bennett’s characters cuts pretty much to the chase with a rhetorical question that obviously looms very large in the daily mission of the Foundation and of The National Trust - that question, “what is history ?” His character’s answer - that of a female teacher in an all boy’s school - is that to her it seems to be nothing more than the study of five centuries of male ineptitude. In the wake of often unnecessary, foolishly contrived and male-initiated strife, arrogance, catastrophe and war -“history,” she concludes “ is women following behind - with a bucket.” That comment has especially reverberated with me since At the 2012 Madison Family Cup Presentation to the Ladies Committee an email exchange earlier this year between myself, some of the of the Dolley Madison Legacy Luncheon; left to right, front row: Anna research staff here and other members of the family - a query Baldwin May, Frederick Madison Smith.; middle row: Katherine Sheffey regarding a mother and her only son - the mother, Agnes Macon, Douglas, DeLane Porter, Beese Craigie, Mary Lew Sponski, Mary Jane the son, Edgar Macon, the president’s great-nephew, all of whom Shackelford; back row: Kat Imhoff, Gail Babnew, Peggy Rhoads, Judy lived quite nearby here. The story, one of war, is of course very Jessup, Ridge Porter and Jane Remington. nasty, very short and very brutish - Edgar was the last casualty of the first battle of Manassas and the manner of his death particularly ers than their own - the genius of this place in historical memory gruesome and tragic. But the “bucket” side of the story is far more and built design is as much a creation of the women whose hands heart-rending and perhaps far more instructive in the end than any continue to mold it with care and definition and whose energy and battlefield by-play or tiresome historical-political gloss. As soon efforts to preserve it have made it possible for all to see it in this as practical and possible, Edgar’s mother arranged for a coffin to amazing state one sees now. be loaded onto a wagon as she trekked from here to Manassas a Our recognition today is for a very particular group of women distance of some sixty miles in the worst of summer’s heat, gath- who took Montpelier very much to their heart and into their hands ered her 33-year-old son’s broken body and then drove here to the since 2006 - their march to this has been steady and quick and family’s cemetery just over that ridge and buried him there. It was their achievement to date of raising over $300,000 for the restora- a pieta tableaux - a vivid reminder even now of Mary Chesnut’s tion of the mansion’s furnishings is only short of miraculous in observation of that war, and indeed of all wars, that the greatest these times. In addition to their founding lights, Peyton Lewis and brunt of it is always borne by women - by mothers, daughters, Carolyn Quinn, they are many of them here today, and their pres- wives and sisters. ent board muster includes Susie Bresee, Bridget Bryant, Katherine It is a reminder as well that ever since I, at least, have been Douglas, Flossie Fowlkes, Catherine Gillespie, Darby Gingery, making these presentations, this country has been at war and that Marge Grills, May Howard, Anna May, DeLane Porter, Jane although the battle may often seem distant geographically, it is cer- Remington, Mary Lou Seilheimer, Mary Jane Shackelford, Mary tainly very immediate enough to scores of mothers, daughters and Lew Sponski, Page Sullenberger, Signe Thornhill and our own Ann sisters here. Thornton. A proper focus on the Constitution and Dolley and President What is this, exactly, that they have done? In raising a signifi- Madison’s brighter and enduring personal and political legacies cant amount of money to fund research, acquisition and restoration make it tempting to forget how many extraordinary women have of original and authentic Madison-era furnishings, they have steadi- held together and nurtured this property and its several families, ly and quietly raised the profile and worth of the estate’s education- presiding equally over their own enduring sadnesses and joys that al, historical and philanthropic work by the taste, care and quality are as much the true history of this place. Frances Taylor Madison’s of their annual luncheon venue and very simply made possible a struggle to establish her family after her husband’s murder, Nelly new flowering of the property’s mission to so many more families Conway Madison’s supervision of a growing and increasingly both here at home and from abroad than was ever intended, pos- complicated family over many decades, Dolley’s brave but futile sible or imagined under private ownership. attempts to carry on here as a widow and hugely disappointed Now The Madison Family Cup, while perhaps less useful, is, I mother in ugly economic times, the rebirth of the estate under the hope, far more attractive than any bucket, and we are very flattered remarkable energy and designer’s eye of Annie Rogers duPont, the and honored that Anna May has agreed to accept this 2012 Award expansion of the estate’s famous sporting traditions under Marion on behalf of the Ladies Committee of the Dolley Madison Legacy duPont Scott , the scores of women in service and in servitude who Luncheon. birthed and raised their own families while equally nurturing oth- Here’s to the ladies who lunch. –6– Jefferson-Madison Walking Stick Donated to the Montpelier Foundation

By John Ferratt Macon, NSMFD Director was also intricately involved with the Catholic community of that city. Dr. R. J. Linzee Coolidge , a direct descen- Archer of Norfolk wrote in 1870 the fol- dant of the third President of the United lowing: States, has given the historic walking “In the year 1810, I began the study stick of shared Jefferson-Madison his- of medicine with Dr. John F. Oliveira. tory to the Foundation in memory of his On arriving in this city from Portugal, brother T. Jefferson “Jeff” Coolidge. Jeff he assumed the name of Fernandez. He was a college football hero at Harvard, a was Physician to the Royal Family of CIA agent, a venture capitalist, and phi- Portugal and stood eminently high in lanthropist. When he died in 2005, his his profession, and I considered him the former football teammate, Sen. Edward Photo courtesy of The Montpelier Foundation most thorough and best read physician M. Kennedy said “He gave of his time, I have ever known. In 1817 or 1818, his ability and his heart in everything he number of these walking sticks. One of he was restored to favor at his court and did.” The story of the walking stick is a which unfolded into a chair. Monticello was appointed Minister to the Court of fascinating one. still has a bone and ivory walking stick St. James, subsequently to the court of Shortly after President Jefferson’s that had been given to Thomas Jefferson France, and died in Madeira where he death on July 4, 1826, twenty-eight in 1809, shortly after he retired from the held considerable possessions.” year old Robley Dunglison, Jefferson’s Presidency, by Virginia Congressman The walking stick appears to physician and professor of medicine at Joseph P. Cabell engraved “TJ”. Later have remained with Thomas Jefferson the University of Virginia, arrived at Cabell became Jefferson’s main pillar of Randolph for almost forty years until his Montpelier with an unusually hand- support in the Virginia legislature work- death in 1875 at his home “Edgehill”. some walking stick which Jefferson ing closely with Jefferson in the founding Like his grandfather and James Madison, had bequeathed to James Madison. of the University of Virginia. Old Cabell he became a Rector of the University Madison was now the new Rector of the Hall at the University of Virginia was of Virginia. He served in the Virginia University of Virginia having succeeded named for Joseph P. Cabell. House of Delegates, and was a Colonel Jefferson following his death. Upon The walking stick bequeathed to in the Confederate Army during the receiving the walking stick, Madison Madison by Jefferson is a wonderful one Civil War. Three of his thirteen children wrote to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, being made of Rhinoceros horn with lived into the 20th Century. At some Jefferson’s oldest grandson, “The article a gold mounted handle. It’s origin is point after his death, the walking stick bequeathed to me by your grandfather, unknown, but there is a strong suspicion moved over to his sister Ellen Wayles has been delivered by Dr. Dunglison, it was made in Portugal and brought Randolph Coolidge’s descendants. Ellen and received with all the feelings due a to this country by Dr. John F. Oliveira had married a prosperous and well con- token of the place I held in the friend- Fernandes of Norfolk, Virginia who sent nected Boston merchant named Joseph ship of one, whom I so much revered & it as a gift to Thomas Jefferson in 1805. Coolidge at Monticello in 1825 who was loved when living and whose memory Jefferson considered the walking stick involved in the China trade among other can never cease to be dear to me.” “the most elegant thing of the kind I interests. Joseph was a Harvard graduate The walking stick remained in have ever seen; and worthy of place, in as were many of his descendants. Over Madison’s possession for a decade. In any Cabinet whatever. I perceive that it the years, Joseph and Ellen’s descendants 1836, Madison in turn bequeathed the is of the horn of some animal, but can- have played an immense role in busi- walking stick to Jefferson’s grandson, not conjecture what”. Fernandes told ness, politics, and the cultural life of Thomas Jefferson Randolph, whose Jefferson that the gift was “in thanks for Massachusetts and the country. younger brother, Madison’s namesake, his bounty and generosity”. Jefferson had The walking stick is now a much James Madison Randolph, had died at been purchasing wine from Fernandes valued part of the Montpelier experience. age twenty-eight several years earlier. for Monticello. Fernandes added “It Bibliography: Walking sticks were fashionable was my hope that your Love of Natural The worlds of Thomas Jefferson at objects and cherished possessions, and Philosophy would render so rare a pro- Monticello, Susan R. Stein 1993 they made elegant gifts. In the late eigh- duction of the animal kingdom accept- The Boston Globe, January, 2005 teenth and early nineteenth centuries able to you, While it might be an useful Dr. R. Archer 1870, by Edward L. many were of rare woods and intricately companion in your retired and rural Goodwin, his Grandson, 1908 carved. Some were mechanical marvels. excursions at Monticello”. Discovering Montpelier Volume 9 Others secretly harbored a sword or Dr. Fernandez was a well loved Number 2 2012 pistol. Thomas Jefferson had a small and admired physician in Norfolk who

–7– A Year of Commemoration at Montpelier’s Center for the Constitution

C. Douglas Smith from Montpelier’s Center for the Constitution files this update

Montpelier’s Center for the Constitution celebrated 2012 as an organi- zational and historical milestone, marking both the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Center’s ten-year anniversary. In honor of both of these occasions, the organization launched a number of new initiatives that secure the Center’s place as a premier constitutional training center in America and throughout the world. A new on-site course explores “The Presidency and the Constitution”; a new, free online course examines the ten amendments that comprise the United States Bill of Rights (access at learn.montpelier.org); and a new partnership with the University of Virginia, Monticello, Morven, Ash-Lawn Highland, and William & Mary makes Montpelier a part of the “Presidential Precinct,” welcom- Authors Peter Kastor, Benjamin Wittes, and Pietro Nivola with moderator Roger Mudd, in the ing leaders and proponents of democracy Rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, DC, after the 2012 Claude Moore Lecture from around the world to Virginia. As part of the celebration of its tenth Treaty of Ghent, and an official end to the all significant issues during the War of year, the Center is proud to announce war. 1812, and all still critically relevant to con- a new name in recognition of the man While there may have been no clear stitutionalism in the United States today. without whose support the Center’s work winner in this conflict, it was Madison’s The book is available for purchase at http:// would not be possible: the late Robert H. conduct as a war-time president that proved www.brookings.edu/research/books/2012/ Smith. The Robert H. Smith Center for to the world that the constitutional govern- whatsoproudlywehailed the Constitution is committed to inspiring ment of the United States could wage war In September, the 2012 Claude Moore participation in civic dialogue, improv- and not sacrifice the civil liberties enjoyed Lecture, given annually in Washington, ing the public’s understanding of the by Americans, and it could assert itself mili- DC, hosted three of the book’s authors founding principles of the United States, tarily and still not escalate executive power. for a panel discussion moderated by Roger and enabling citizens to deepen their The United States had officially passed Mudd, the former documentary host and understanding of and participation in our the first real test of its new Constitution’s correspondent for “The History Channel,” democracy—all goals that Robert H. Smith sustainability. And, by passing that test, the retired Washington correspondent for CBS shared. United States was effectively established as News, NBC News, and the MacNeil/Lehrer The Robert H. Smith Center for the a legitimate nation whose institutions could Newshour on PBS, and current member Constitution also launched a series of pro- withstand the trials of war. of The Montpelier Foundation Board of grams and events to shed light on one of In commemoration of this forma- Directors. the most obscure and dimly remembered tive episode in our American history, the In the next year, the Robert H. Smith episodes in American history: the War of Brookings Institution, in collaboration Center for the Constitution will build on 1812. President James Madison guided with the Robert H. Smith Center for the the momentum from the last ten years, with the country through this tumultuous time, Constitution and Washington University in plans for entirely new online and on-site a war during which a clear winner could at St. Louis, held a series of conferences lead- courses, a continued relationship with the times not be identified. The War of 1812 ing toward the publication of a new book, Brookings Institution, expanding its inter- saw the British burn a number of public What So Proudly We Hailed: Essays on national influence through the “Presidential buildings in Washington, DC, includ- the Contemporary Meaning of the War of Precinct,” and offering authentic and inter- ing the White House and Capitol, and it 1812. Edited by Pietro S. Nivola and Peter active resources to the public via ConText witnessed a failed attempt to invade and J. Kastor, the book explores the implica- (context.montpelier.org)—in all endeav- incorporate Canada into the United States. tions of War of 1812 and the continued ors, working toward the goal of increased However, with a president intent on show- relevance of the constitutional issues that understanding of the Constitution and the ing that the fledgling nation’s constitutional surrounded the war. It delves into such top- importance of civic engagement. government could endure and, in fact, be ics as partisan politics, the rise of American The NSMFD salutes Mr. Smith on strengthened in times of crisis, February 15 military power, American nationalism(s), the exciting achievements of The Robert H. finally brought news of Andrew Jackson’s civil liberties during wartime, and questions Smith Center for the Constitution. victory at New Orleans, the signing of the about the American system of federalism— –8– Montpelier, For All Time Kat Imhoff, President of The Montpelier As the Madison family descendants the power of place and the emerging power Foundation you should note with confidence that your of online learning. ancestral home is as vital in America’s Third, among the many priorities and Serving future as it has been in its past. Indeed, opportunities made possible over the past the Montpelier Montpelier is important for all times as a decade, I want to recognize the hope and Foundation as its venue for speaking about the experience of promise made evident in interpretation of new President and early Americans, recognizing a community African-American history at Montpelier. CEO is an amaz- once enslaved and then freed, and even The revitalized train station at our entrance ing honor for me. today through our constitutional education stands as an invitation to visit and to I am energized by programming. Together, we are part of a explore what we are learning about that the possibilities great legacy of liberty that is challenging history. From our research experts who are for growth before hundreds of thousands of people through- dedicated to studying those who lived and us particularly as out the world each year to become a more worked at Montpelier, to the archaeologists we use President constitutional people. who literally uncover the stories that would James and Dolley Katherine L. “Kat” There are some great new develop- have otherwise been lost to the ages, we at Madison, and their Imhoff , President ments coming to Montpelier: Montpelier have an opportunity to expand beautiful estate, as of The Montpelier First, the Madisons’ home is part of and relate our work to the larger, national a place for learning, Foundation (The a landscape we must restore and cherish. narratives of truly understanding African- exploration and Montpelier Foundation/ Where else in the United States is there American history. preservation. a place like Montpelier? Montpelier’s Fourth, we will continue the fascinat- Norm Shafer) In many Landmark Forest, the unfettered views of ing process of refurnishing the Madisons’ ways I am return- the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the fields home. The research of the Presidential ing home to the rolling Piedmont hills of of the Piedmont are to be preserved, pro- Detective story is groundbreaking in its Virginia. Most recently I have been work- tected, and promoted. The context of our contribution to our understanding of ing with a land conservation organization surrounding area is crucial to the stories we who James and Dolley Madison were. for Montana but previous to that I was tell and the experience we provide, and its Montpelier will continue this research to working in central Virginia within the success will ensure our success. better enable us to tell the story of James historic preservation community. Now Second, we Americans have a fasci- Madison’s contribution to the development that I am here I recognize how remark- nation with who we are, where we came of modern government in America and the able Montpelier is as the site of the most from—beginning with the founding of world. ambitious historic house restoration ever this country—and where we are going. I am so grateful for this amazing undertaken. It is a vigorous institution that James Madison once wrote: “...the advance- opportunity. With a Board that is inspired is always ready to take on fresh challenges. ment and diffusion of knowledge...is the to step forward with vigor and creativity, Our obvious assets at Montpelier are physi- only Guardian of true liberty.” We still with so much passion and expertise resident cal ones, namely the home and lands of a have much to learn from Madison and his here on our staff, and with friends and former president and courageous First Lady. contemporaries, not only what it took to supporters like all of you—we can make However, our greatest assets are our people, build this country, but what it will take to Montpelier a national platform for quest- from those who dig in the earth to those sustain our democracy. In our dedication ing minds and hearts. So thank you for the who toil in libraries and archives to those to education, constitutionalism, and civic many Madison family welcomes which have who educate our visitors. Montpelier’s suc- engagement, Montpelier is poised to lead come my way. I hope we will see you soon. cesses have resulted from hard and thought- the way in continued conversations about ful work, good science and robust scholar- our Constitution with people across the All of us at the NSMFD send our welcome, ship and I appreciate each of you who have country and around the world interested in congratulations, thanks and best wishes to Ms. supported our important mission. democracy. We will do that by focusing on Imhoff. Registrar Contact Information By Iris Collins Eaton, Registrar are searching for or can help you in your are rare treasures! 2012’s triennial reunion search. at Montpelier was the most attended and The National Society of the Madison Our online application form is at successful to date. We hope current mem- Family Descendants organization is open www.jamesmadisonfamily.com (click bers will encourage other family members to all persons who can show proof accept- “Membership”) and has been updated to to participate. We look forward to your able to the Registrar that they are descended including date and place of marriage, birth, involvement in the NSMFD! from any lateral or collateral American death, town, county and state etc. This Send copies of your proofs and the ancestor of President James Madison, specific information is needed to confirm NSMFD application to: paternal or maternal, who was living in this lineage. If a family member is already been Iris Collins Eaton country (Colony) after 1607. accepted to the NSMFD, you may only Registrar, The National Society of the In the past, we have received a number complete the short form and include cop- Madison Family Descendants of applications without adequate proof of ies (no originals please) of birth certificates, 3807 Olympia Drive lineage. We can help you locate this infor- marriage dates as well as names and birth Houston, TX 77019-3031 mation if you will tell us where you have dates of their children where applicable. Email: [email protected] come to a stopping point in your search. We appreciate that so many members Phone: 713-840-7675 We may already have information that you have sent family stories and pictures that –9– The Society’s Current Officers and Directors: IN MEMORIAM

Officers: Beatrice Arabella Baldwin Ruth Chambers Lewis, Former NSMFD Registrar Frederick Madison Smith, President - Marietta, GA James Barbour Macon, Jr. Susan Lewis Fogg, Vice President - Tappahannock, VA Marion Pate Macon C. Edward Kube, Jr., Secretary - Mineral, VA James Madison Macon, IV, Former NSMFD Secretary The Hon. Alexander John Runan Monson A. Preston Moore, Jr., Treasurer - Charlottesville, VA Arthur Nichols *Iris Collins Eaton, Registrar - Houston, TX Algine Neely Ogburn John Edward Reese Directors: It is with special gratitude and first officers and his invaluable and Margaret Macon Boeker - Earlysville, VA thankfulness for their lives and voluminous legal, historical and social John William Garrett, IV - Long Island City, NY example that we remember among knowledge of the family connection those in the family connection who in Virginia were extraordinary. His Susan Garrett - Chapel Hill, NC died in 2012 two of our former father was one of the chief leaders *John Ferratt Macon - Palm Springs, CA officers – Ruth Chambers Lewis and in the move to have our cemetery James Madison Macon, IV. at Montpelier restored and walled Mark A. Parsells - Wilmington, DE Ruth was our first Registrar in the 1930s in conjunction with *J. Ridgely Porter, III - Montpelier Station, VA and together with Iris Eaton built the William Byrd DAR Chapter Gail Babnew-Silverman – Gordonsville, VA up our formidable catalog of family of Richmond. Madison and his lineages and insisted on the thorough widow Trudy were more than The Honorable Helen Marie Taylor - Orange, VA genealogical proofs for applicants generous donors and supporters of *Ann Belfield Thornton - New York, NY that helped establish and maintain The Montpelier Foundation and the authenticity and integrity of our the NSMFD over several decades, Carlo Capomazza di Campolattaro - New Orleans, LA membership. Ruth spent countless crucially donating the funds that Susan Macon Jamieson - Richmond, VA hours scouring applications and put us over the top and allowed us Judith Jessup - Richmond, VA generously helping those who needed to donate the handmade replicas additional documentation for their of the Madison’s silverware to the Letty G. Lynn - Falls Church, VA lines to find the proofs needed to Foundation. Many of us have been Ian S. Norfleet - King George, VA complete their applications. This touched by their generosity, their is a lengthy and often tiring work, example of energy, creativity, warmth, *James Madison Ewing - Macomb, IL but without Ruth’s dedication and enthusiasm and genuine personal * Past NSMFD Presidents exactitude it could not have been affection for the family connection, done to the standard it was and which and we especially wish to express our we can now confidently rely going appreciation for them as lights in this forward. world in their several generations to Contact Information Madison Macon was one of our Trudy, her children and grandchildren. To provide information on family births or deaths please contact Ed Kube, Secretary, PO Box 841, Mineral, VA, 23117; [email protected]. h h h h For general information about the NSMFD, the family’s history, genealogy and membership qualifications, please contact our President, Frederick Madison Smith at [email protected]. h h h h William Garrett, Editor, 4708 Vernon Blvd; Long Island City, NY 11101; [email protected]. Altar flowers in memory of President Madison, Bishop Madison and family members recently Newsletter published annually by departed, The Wren Chapel, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, March 2012. NSMFD.

–10– Where There’s A Will... Society Lifetime Members The persistent will to persevere in this effort is a multi-year project, and like Carole S. Alderman the enormous and complicated project of the mansion, it will require an endow- Peter Belfield returning Madison’s home to its original ment for its future stability. Prudence Richardson Beidler configuration was based on the convic- Estate gifts, those that arrive after tion that Montpelier is an invaluable one’s lifetime, fund the endowment and Margaret Macon Boeker asset to the nation and as such deserved are the pillars that hold up Montpelier’s Andrea Lynn Bruce-Smith a major commitment of energy and future. The easiest way to make an estate Robert G. Bruce resources. The preservation of the site gift is through a bequest in your will. Joseph Gregg Casagrande where Madison researched and pondered You might consider, however, a gift of an all options for creating a stable system of insurance policy or real estate. Rebecca L. Casagrande government for this new country, drew Won’t you name The Montpelier Alfred Byrd Taliaferro Conway support not only in current dollars but Foundation as a beneficiary of your George Byrd Taliaferro Conway in the start of an endowment, funds that estate? In recognition of your generos- Timothy Roy Reid Conway are never spent but with wise invest- ity, you will be invited to become a ment, grow and produce income for The member of The Madison Pillars Society, Betsy Wornom Craft Montpelier Foundation’s wide array of those special people whose gifts ensure Adrienne Iris Eaton activities and programs. Montpelier’s stability for future genera- Iris Collins Eaton To provide a learning center where tions? Even though your gift will arrive James Madison Ewing Madison’s unique ideas as embodied in after your lifetime, The Montpelier the US Constitution can be taught and Foundation would like to honor you Dana Faulconer discussed, The Montpelier Foundation is now. Susan Lewis Fogg making plans to expand The Center for Where there’s a will, there truly is a Paul G. Gaines the Constitution. In addition to adding way to keep Montpelier a beautiful and William Garrett new programs, expansion plans include vibrant national treasure. the construction of new campus for The Peggy Boeker Rhoads, Director, Lee Belfield Heath Center. Like the mansion restoration, NSMFD Mary Eleanor Fitzhugh Hitselberger Linda Lewis Jester (Cut Out Box) Letty Gregg Lynn John F. Macon, II CONFIDENTIAL REPLY FORM William P. Moore, Jr. ______I have included The Montpelier Foundation in my will. Zachary Taylor Munroe Please enroll me in The Pillars Society Gail Alderman Nimitz  Algine Neely Ogburn ______I would like more information on how to include The Mark A. Parsells Montpelier Foundation in my estate plans and the benefits of Pillars Society membership Eleanor Madison Macon Porter J. Ridgely Porter, III Name______ Johnny Scott Gail Babnew-Silverman Phone______Frederick Madison Smith Address______Ms. Joesph T. Stubbs, Jr. The Honorable Helen Marie Taylor ______Howell L.T.D. Taylor Rev. LaVerne Pike Thomas Clip and mail to: Ann Lawrence Grasty, Vice President for Development, Ann Belfield Thornton P.O. Box 911, Orange, VA 22960 William Francis Thornton Frank Vaden, III Kevin Dale West The National Society of the Madison Family Descendants Website Samuel J. Wornom, III www.jamesmadisonfamily.com Raleigh Elroy Worsham  = Deceased

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