THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF the M adison F amily Descendants 2009 Newsletter 2009 Triennial Reunion Celebrates Completion of “Montpelier” Restoration by Frederick Madison Smith chaired by Susan Fogg, which included Ed Kube, Ann Thornton NSMFD President and Susan Garrett with advice from our Founding President Iris Eaton. As at our last reunion, Phyllis Johnson of the Montpelier [President Madison] is a small, thin old man, but of a kindly and staff was our key contact on the estate and provided invaluable pleasant face; his bearing is very aristocratic, and without assuming the planning advice, coordination and a calm and practiced head at air of importance and dignity befitting one of his station, he displays an dealing with the last minute crises which such an event inevitably incredible gentleness and charm, which I thought impossible to find in demands in bringing together a large group of decided “individu- an American als.” -Carlo Vidua, Conti di Conzano, 1825 Our planning this year was also trans-Atlantic, and the wel- coming here of our English cousin John Maddison from across the Wine and weather - and the best of each - helped made our pond was a vitally significant rejoining of family connections that triennial reunion this year more than the gentle and fond return to had lagged since at least the early 19th century. In his retirement place which it has always been, especially as it was marked by the years, President Madison admonished a young student who asked significant reclamations and augmentations of our venues - the now him for advice on academic reading not to neglect the history, law restored “Montpelier” and artifact-rich Museum of and literature of England as it was original home and fountainhead Orange. of our political, moral and religious thought, example, and instruc- Over 250 members of the extended family took part this year tion - the land indeed of our forefathers - a remarkable comment - a handsome and comfortable turnout for this connection - in events of long and careful planning by your reunion committee, Continued on page 8 The 2008 Madison Cup Awarded to Louise B. and Allan Potter By Frederick Madison Smith The Old Dominion’s best warm, early Fall day wrought anew memories of “hound dogs baying the Virginia hills” as sights, sounds and the famed hospitality of the important sports day that is the Montpelier Hunt Races provided us again with the setting to honor those whose hard work, love and devotion to Montpelier’s restoration and programs bring this amazing place evermore to life again in the “Madison manner.” The Madison Cup - awarded each year at the Montpelier Hunt Breakfast - honors those whose have made the most significant contribution to Montpelier in the previous year. But to adequately recognize the many contributions of Louise B. & Allan Potter, our 2008 recipients, we might well have given it to them every year for the past decade, so completely and affectionately devoted as they have been to the world class project of the estate’s rebirth. From left, Allan and Louise B. Potter, NSMFD President Frederick As members of the Property Council and the Montpelier Madison Smith at the Montpelier Hunt Races Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. Foundation Board, closely involved in key decisions and fundraising 8. for over a decade, the Potters have brought their professional judg- ment as architects and business people of remarkable achievement to It should be no one’s surprise that of all the lovers of this bear on matters great and small ---- masters of broad vision as well extraordinary and beautiful place, architects - “the musicians of as painstaking detail and exactitude. space” - might truly love it among the best. And, most importantly of all, they have given the best gift of And love it in a way they share uniquely with President their unbounded enthusiasm, energy and affection to the Trust, The Madison who conceived of it in the same manner as he conceived Montpelier Foundation, and the many staff, administrators and of the nation - “builded as a city that is compact together.” consultants who make the estate’s community a vibrant, newly chal- His vision and hope for a nation embracing peace and prosper- lenging and rewarding concern each day. ity within its gates is not something he - nor we - should have ever I implore each of us in the family not come to Montpelier, or taken for granted. But we have, and we do. any of its important events where you will surely meet them, this This restored estate - the work, now, of many hands quite liter- year or any other, without seeking out and thanking this extraor- ally joining across two centuries, recovering a submerged and, in dinary couple who have done so much, so lovingly, and so well to many cases, forgotten fabric is no distant metaphor for the work of refresh and reveal again the architectural, political, moral, social and this generation which is now passing through immediate or immi- philosophical legacy of James and . nent dangers and anxieties that might seem unprecedented in the threat they pose to the line, square and compass that are his under- Remarks by Frederick Madison Smith standing and teaching of our polity. President, The National Society of the Madison Family It is now, as it was in former days, again the embodiment and Descendants expression in built form - in masonry, carpentry, carving, decora- to Allan & Louise B. Potter on Race Day, Nov. 8, 2008 tion and landscape - of his ideals of harmony, generosity, of calm

Madison Family Gift of Silver Presented to Montpelier At the 2009 Madison Family Reunion, NSMFD board members Susan Garrett and Ann Thornton presented Montpelier Foundation President Michael Quinn a silver set commissioned by the Madison Family as a gift to Montpelier. James Robinson, Inc., of New York was commissioned by the family to recreate a 32-piece set of silver in the “Fiddle Thread” pattern. sent the original set, made in Paris by Gerard Duru, to James and Dolley Madison while Monroe was in Paris as Minister to France. The Smithsonian Institution now owns several pieces from the original set. The Madison Family wished to thank James Robinson, Inc., for the beautifully crafted silver and thank the many donors that made this gift possible. This lovely and important gift is a continuing example of the family’s commitment to the Montpelier Foundation President Michael Quinn, NSMFD Directors legacy of Montpelier. Ann Thornton and Susan Garrett

–2– and considerate deliberation, as well as wel- in this place, without conveying some selves of many authentic and careful designs coming of eccentricity - its original English notice of affinity between the recipients and in life as well as work, dedicated restorers Georgian form sea-changed, but still dis- President Madison’s character itself. and benefactors of this ancient and deeply cernible, into a neo-classical richness and “Purity, modesty, decorum - a modera- rooted place, tireless and loving promoters tense harmony. tion, temperance, and virtue in everything - of its enduring survival and message - as Much has been said of President were the characteristics of Mr. Madison’s life thus they are - on this day the family is Madison’s calmness and deliberation, and manners,” one of his contemporaries more than grateful to recognize an equal but it might be well to remember his observed, adding that “it is grateful to look elevation and beauty in the lives and service father’s choice praise of the fiery Patrick upon such elevation and beauty of personal of Louise and Allan Potter. Henry when he and the Orange County character.” Committee of Safety, commended Henry Choice builders and architects them- for his “spirited response” to a vital threat to this community in resisting the Imperial Government’s attempt to disarm it in the spring of 1775. Montpelier today can have no shortage of people whose “spirited response” to its vast and complicated needs is its very life’s blood and many, if not most of them, are under this awning now. From left, Margaret Macon Boeker, Board When Ann Thornton and Ridge Porter Member, The National Society of the Madison first conceived of The Madison Cup Award, Family Descendants (NSMFD), cup recipients the ostensible reason for it was to recognize Past NSMFD President J. Ridgely Porter III, one Allan and Louise B. Potter, and NSMFD offi- the individual or group who had contrib- of the originators of the Madison Cup Award, cers and board members The Hon. Helen Marie uted the most to Montpelier in a given year. and present President Frederick Madison Smith Taylor, Frederick Madison Smith, Gail Babnew But it is not possible to award it, especially at the Hunt Breakfast ceremony. and J. Ridgely Porter III. Madison Descendants Participate in PBS Dolley Madison Film

By William Garrett, NSMFD Director my hat changed and hair her grandchildren adjusted for the new hat. Madison Harris, 11; The American Experience series on “The next scene was Alana Harris, 6; and PBS is wrapping up production on a in a different room in Seanna Harris, 3. new film about Dolley Madison. This the Governor’s Mansion The children were in 90-minute documentary features Tony and was meant to be one a scene where Dolley Award nominee Eve Best as Dolley and of Dolly’s parties where visits an orphanage Tony Winner Jefferson Mays as James she brought together she championed as Madison. It will air March 1, 2010. different sides of the First Lady. Locations in Virginia for the film- political spectrum for NSMFD Vice President Susan Fogg “What fun it ing included the Governor’s Mansion in interaction at the White (right) on location with actress Eve Best was!” said Fogg. “The Richmond, a colonial back lot that was House. After that scene as Dolley Madison. Photo © Kent Eames crew was delighted to built for the HBO series “John Adams” in wrapped, I power walked for WGBH. have Madison descen- Hanover County and the Madison home, back to the costume dants in the produc- Montpelier. room where the saint also known as the cos- tion. We were interviewed by American In an exciting and historical twist, tume designer released me from the bonds of Experience and The Richmond Times the producers cast Madison descendants the corset and I could breathe once again!” Dispatch. What a wonderful and exciting as extras in the film. Joy Phillips, coordinator for TPT time was had by all!” Eleanor (Elle) Madison Macon Porter National Productions, helped guide the Elle Porter also felt the producers joined the production in Richmond to Madison extras on their first film experi- enjoyed having Madison descendants in shoot scenes in the Governor’s Mansion. ence. “Having the Madison descendants in the film. “The actors playing James and The first scene was a New Year’s party set the film was such a pleasure and it adds an Dolley Madison were both very kind to at the ‘White House’. extra layer to the story,” Phillips said. “They me and were genuinely excited to meet a “It was very fun to be involved in a were all so friendly and fun and it was great Madison descendant,” she said. “They told movie, having my nose powdered by the to hear them sharing their family history me how honored they felt to be portray- makeup artist, being adjusted around by with all of the other actors. Everyone really ing James and Dolley Madison. Everyone the director,” said Porter. After that scene enjoyed having them on set.” made me feel very comfortable and wel- was finished, we were taken back to the Susan Fogg, Vice President of the come. The entire day was a wonderful holding area where I learned they had NSMFS, was also an extra in the film dur- experience and I feel very honored to have decided to use me as an extra in an addi- ing the shoot on the back lot in Hanover had the opportunity to participate.” tional scene, so my costume was changed, County. She was joined on the set by

–3– As for his financial extravagence, the Book Review victims of this, apart from himself, were Richard Taylor: Soldier Prince of Dixie by T. largely Dick Taylor’s wealthy in-laws, the Michael Parrish Bringiers, who continuously underwrote his (Published by The University of North ventures and seldom were repaid in cash for Carolina Press , 1992) it. But the Bringiers apparently were not Reviewed by Frederick Madison Smith very anxious on this score, partly due to the size of their wealth, but, as Parrish specu- He had a marvelous memory and a rare fac- lates, they - like so many others - thought ulty of intellectual digestion and assimilation. Dick Taylor’s talent, charm, intellect, The variety, extent, and exactness of his infor- learning, courage, effortless noblesse oblige mation on all kinds of subjects were matter of and character naturally required a princely wonder to all. income to fit this fascinating persona. - Charles E. Fenner, Parrish also gives one a rich sam- Library of Southern Liberators pling of the audience which viewed and applauded Dick Taylor’s progress, as he in Presidential son, precocious intellec- turn would comment on most of them in tual, self-taught military prodigy, physically his memoir Destruction and Reconstruction attractive, charming and erudite; astonish- - the national and local politicians with ingly wellread and a natural-born writer, whom he dealt for decades, the often wit and bon vivant - Richard Taylor (1826- Richard Taylor (1826-1879), only son of eccentric Confederate generals and col- President Zachary Taylor, ca. 1870 by Matthew 79) seldom passed through any gathering orful troops with whom he fought, the Brady. ( photograph) or encounter unadmired from his youth West Point trained generals on the Union forward. side whom he frustrated and eluded as Gen. Zachary Taylor gave the Harvard - who painted his forbears in Virginia and often as thrashed, as well as Henry and and Yale educated “Dick” Taylor a fairly Maryland with the brush of magnificence, Clover Adams, Frederick Brown Olmstead indulgent rein to study and read as his obvi- and inculcated in him, as much as in them- (describing the daily details of life at ously quick intellect and energy directed, selves by association, high-spirited beliefs in “Fashion”) and the heirs of the House of and T. Michael Parrish’s judiciously the propriety of their shared grandeur and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha already noted. researched biography takes one along an virtue. Olmstead’s visit to “Fashion” for three exciting journey of Dick’s career from Whatever the source of this extraordi- days in 1853 was recorded through the his childhood days leading a schoolroom nary self-regard mated to a natural charm, observant eye of the master landscape art- “breakout“ with his Indian classmates at it was authentic enough to win Dick Taylor ist who duly and admiringly observed the Fort Crawford, to private tutors and board- quick assimilation during a trip abroad after physical order of the plantation operations, ing schools, to the Ivy Leagues, and ventur- the war into the high-living circle of the home and landscape while wondering at ing out on his own to join his father (with- Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, the extraordinary goodwill and productiv- out the latter’s permission or approval) at who, as he records, “I fear has fallen quite ity which seemed to exemplify the Taylors’ Matamoros in the Mexican War, his highly in love with me.” working relationship to their slaves, successful marriage and business ventures in As Parrish records, Dick Taylor moved founded, to his amazement, on a system of Louisianna, high living and bookish culture freely and confidently in such circles - the profit-sharing that was novel to the planta- in New Orleans and on his sugar plantation veritable “toast of the town.“ tion society. The slaves, Olmstead claimed, “Fashion.” On through his involvement It might be said that Parrish gives “evidently regarded (Dick Taylor) with in Old Whig politics and attempts to pre- us Dick Taylor “warts and all” and the affection, respect, and pride,” and a lengthy vent the catastrophe of the Civil War, an frequent irritability, even petulance, that and intimate conversation with the Taylor’s extraodinary and startling military career as he could display in dealing with military house servant William during a buggy a Confederate General, his immediate and subordinates, his financial extravagencies, ride to New Orleans confirms Olmstead no less startling readmission into national and the experienced limits of his Old Whig of the genuineness of this admiration. But counsels and the salons of political beliefs are laid out in precise and eventually William revealed in the course after the war’s end, his subsequent Grand documented detail. But even those “warts” of their talk deep-rooted longings for a self- Tour of Europe and cultivation by the Old can be redeemed, as that iritability and pet- determination which the system denied him World’s noble and royal society - no one, ulance often resulted in timely and success- and his fellows, even when operated with at least not for long, could be Dick Taylor’s ful results on the battlefield, and however such amazing skill and genuine paternalistic enemy or begrudge him the acclaim, respect limited or popularly discredited those Old benevolence. or indulgence they apparently believed he Whig beliefs might have been in 1860, their Still, Olmsteads’ narrative overall rather quite naturally deserved. calming application in the spirit of Dick confirmed that no one - not even the slaves It is equally arguable that Dick Taylor Taylor’s enumerated heroes “Washington, or servants who might have been thought to probably believed he naturally deserved Adams, , Jay, Marshall, Madison have had copious reasons to resent their sta- it as well, and he hints self-deprecatingly and Story” during the Secession Crisis tion or lot in life - seemed immune to Dick at this by attributing it to the servants by might have averted the bloodshed and Taylor’s “magnetic personality.” whom he was raised - the elder Taylor slaves destruction which followed. Continued on page 9 –4– A Madison Oak in New York City

By William Garrett, Director, NSMFD derful pin oak to Madison Square Park!” “The Montpelier mansion grounds As I strolled through Madison Square contain an impressive arboretum includ- Park in New York City, just a few blocks ing exceptional duPont specimen trees that from my office, I made a wonderful dis- compliment the few remaining Madison covery. It wasn’t that the line at The Shake specimens. There is only one pin oak on Shack was short that day (NYC’s best burg- the property and it is located within our ers and shakes from Union Square Cafe paddock area at the steeplechase course. Pin owner Danny Meyer is famous for it’s long oaks, along with many other oaks (black, Avenue and 23rd Street was turned into a lines), but a plaque at the base of a tower- red, white, chestnut), obviously do well roadhouse under the direction of William ing oak tree. The plaque read “This tree here!” “Corporal” Thompson (1807-1872), who from the Virginia estate of President James According to the NY Times article, renamed it later “Madison Cottage,” after Madison, presented to the City Of New the ceremony was also attended by O.A. the former president. This house was the York by the Fifth Avenue Association, to Moeller, the then President of the Orange last stop for people traveling northward out commemorate the first centennial of the Chamber of Commerce. In a speech given of the city, or the first stop for those arriv- opening of Madison Avenue.” at the Manhattan Club luncheon after the ing from the north. “Escorted by a guard in Colonial planting Mr. Moeller said “James Madison After walking the beautiful grounds costumes, an oak tree from Montpelier, was the Father of the Constitution of the and the landmark forest at Montpelier the Virginia estate of President James and the fact that you people many times, it’s nice to know a little part of Madison, was planted at 12:30pm yesterday are living today in political and religious our history is planted firmly here in New as a feature of the celebration of the 100th freedom is due to him”. Seemly seeing the York City. Anniversary,” The New York Times reported future, Mr. Moeller strongly urged that Article researched by Sarah Palmer Garrett, 15 year October 7, 1936. The Times reported that Montpelier be made a national shrine like old daughter of NSMFD Director William Garrett the tree was an 18-foot pin oak, the main Mont Vernon and Monticello. speaker at the ceremony was then Parks President Madison’s presence is felt Commissioner Robert Moses and a crowd strongly here in New York City. With of over 300 attended the planting. Madison Avenue stretching from 23rd A New Challenge “It comes as no surprise to me that the Street at Madison Square Park north for Grant for the duPonts would spread their love of trees 115 blocks to the Madison Ave Bridge at by contributing specimens to worthy indi- 138th Street. The Madison Avenue Bridge Madison Cabinet viduals, organizations or historic sites,” says was opened July 18, 1910, and spans the Sandra Mudrinich, horticulturist at The Harlem River and connects the boroughs of By Margaret Macon Boeker, Director, Montpelier Foundation. “Marion duPont Manhattan and the Bronx. NSMFD Scott was quite aware of the Madison legacy Madison Square Park is a 6.8-acre pub- at Montpelier and would certainly acknowl- lic park opened May 10, 1847. In 1839, A longtime Madison Cabinet edge that connection by donating a won- a farmhouse located at what is now Fifth member has issued the $100,000 Madison Cabinet Challenge. All new or increased gifts made in 2009 at the Madison Cabinet level ($5,000+) will NSMFD Officers and Directors 2009 be matched dollar for dollar. Gifts from Madison Cabinet members are the backbones of Montpelier’s annual fund drive, which provide essential support towards the ongoing opera- tions of the estate. Each spring the Madison Cabinet enjoys a special weekend at Montpelier. This year’s Cabinet week- end will be held on Saturday, April 24th and Sunday April 25th and will feature Richard Brookhiser, Senior Editor of the National Review and noted historian and biographer. His biography on Alexander Hamilton has Front Row – Vice President Susan Lewis Fogg, Margaret Macon Boeker, Susan R. Garrett, been well received. We look forward Registrar Iris Collins Eaton, The Hon. Helen Marie Taylor, Secretary C. Edward Kube, to his telling us about the new biogra- Second Row – John William Garrett IV, Mark A. Parsells, J. Ridgely Porter III, Anne Belfield phy he is writing about Madison. Thornton, and President Frederick Madison Smith Please consider joining this top Not pictured were: Gail Babnew-Silverman, incoming Treasurer A. Preston Moore Jr. and out- group of supporters for a weekend of going Treasurer John Macon Cornick. wonderful events.

–5– VMI Memories became a merchant in his native county of Orange continuing By Macon Sloan and John Macon as such until the outbreak of the war. When he was killed, Virginia Military Institute has been, Lieutenant Macon was the only since its inception in 1838, the state’s son of a widowed mother, and premiere school for our future military left his wife, Jane Haywood, and leaders. Over the years members of our infant son, born three days before family have attended this splendid aca- his death and never seen by him. demic and military facility with its long He was among the “first casual- tradition and served their country proudly. ties” of the war. Some distinguished themselves and became As an aside, Edgar’s cousin, household names such as Generals James George Kennon Macon, a young Edwin Slaughter, George Smith Patton, cadet, was wounded at New III, George Catlett Marshall, and Lemuel Market during the War Between the States, when he was struck by a shell and immedi- Cornick Shepherd. However, this article He was in the class of 1866 at VMI. At ately killed.” focuses mainly on two young cadets, both New Market, he was in the 2nd corps A Fifty-two years later, in 1913, Horatio descendants of James and Nelly Madison company. Cornick Woodhouse, Jr. was born in who sadly lost their lives fighting for their George’s brother, Miles Cary Macon, Norfolk, Virginia to Horatio Cornick country and never lived long enough to Jr., was in the class of 1856 at VMI. He Woodhouse and his wife Virginia “ Jenny” enjoy the full spectrum of what their coun- was a Captain in the Richmond “Fayette” Macon. He grew up in that city in the try had to offer. artillery. He was killed at Appomattox family home on Princess Ann Road. His While these cousins were several gen- Court House on April 8, 1865. We have family nicknamed him “Monk” which stuck erations apart, each fought bravely for what been told that he was the “last causality” of throughout his short life. He graduated he believed. Lieutenant Edgar Macon, CSA, Appomattox which is both sad and ironic. from VMI in 1936 and joined The United was killed in 1862 by a shell in the battle of Both boys and Edgar were descendants of States Marine Corps which had been First Manassas and is buried William Hartwell Macon of founded by his great, great, great uncle in the Madison family cem- “Fairfield” (husband of Lucy President James Madison, Jr. (His VMI etery at Montpelier. There is Scott of “Clifton” in Orange yearbook page shows the breath of his no marker or monument to and father of Thomas interests from being on the “Hop”commitee his memory there, but there Macon who built “Somerset to track and football). He married a lovely is a memorial in his memory House” in Orange County). young operatic singer by the name of Julia at VMI. An excerpt from A Soper from Houston Texas, three months Lt. Colonel Horatio Memorial at VMI by Charles before leaving for Okinawa. As a young Cornick Woodhouse was Walker partly outlines Marine he served in China, at Pearl Harbor, killed in action by a sniper’s Edgar’s life at war. “From and on Guadalcanal, Guam, and Okinawa. bullet on Okinawa on May the first an earnest and He was assigned to his Cousin General 30, 1945, and is now interred ardent secessionist, as soon Lemuel Cornick Shepherd’s staff. at the “Punchbowl” on Pearl as the Virginia Convention “Monk” was the Commander of the Harbor. He was then the passed the ordinance, 2nd Marine Battalion, the first ashore at the youngest Lt. Colonel in the Lt. Colonel Horatio Cornick though on a sick bed from battle for Okinawa and killed in action by USMC. Both officers were Woodhouse a long and serious illness, a sniper’s bullet on May 30, 1945. In his much loved by their family he immediately rose and book Killing Grounds on Okinawa – the and greatly missed. Both left behind young went to work to assist in raising and orga- Battle for Sugar Loaf Hill author James widows who never remarried and relatives nizing the Thomas Artillery, of which he Hallas has many pages devoted to Monk. that were devastated by their loss. was elected a Lieutenant. The company On page 62, it states that, on the spur of During our last reunion, Horatio was first sent to Winchester. Thence went the moment, Monk nicknamed one of Cornick “Monk” Woodhouse’s twin sisters with Johnston’s army on his forced march the objective hills as “Sugar Loaf” because Mary Conway Woodhouse Wornom and to Manassas, going on foot, ninety miles it looked like a certain southern desert. Barbara Woodhouse Drewry attended as did in twenty-four hours under a scorching Medal of Honor recipient, Major General his many nieces and nephews. 1945 doesn’t sun, and with scarcely any food. Reaching James L. Day, who was a 19 year-old seem that long ago to some of us. Manassas on the morning of 21st of July, Marine Corps Corporal during the battle Born in Orange County in 1828, 1861, the battery went at once into battle, for Sugar Loaf and Naha, the capital of Lieutenant Edgar Macon was the grand- then at its fiercest, and, nobly did its part Okinawa, praised Monk as “the greatest son of Thomas Macon and his wife Sarah until the field was won. Lieutenant Macon commander and Marine that I ever knew.” Catlett Madison. His parents were Conway after having borne the heat and burden of A bronze plaque, given by Monk’s devoted Catlett Macon and his wife, Agnes Mayo the day fell a victim to a random shot fired VMI classmates, which is located in VMI’s (of “Powatan Estate”). On August 18, 1845, after the battle was over, and the enemy Memorial Garden, honors the memory of he was appointed a cadet at VMI and spent was retiring. He had just mounted his horse Lt. Col. Woodhouse. He was awarded the some time at the school. Afterwards, he when preparatory to retiring from the field Silver Star Medal and the Purple Heart. –6– The Center for the Constitution Reaches Educators in All Fifty States

Executive Director Sean T. O’Brien files power as “we the people” ask them to States Served by the Center this report: help protect our rights for the Constitution and maintain civil soci- The Center for the Constitution at ety. This new program James Madison’s Montpelier will host semi- has been approved by nars for more than 800 teachers, judges, the Commonwealth of journalists, politicians and police officers in Virginia as a continuing 2009! In addition to the weekend seminars education program for the Center has hosted for several years, sem- police officers in Virginia. inars were offered back-to-back all summer The Center appreci- for teachers from across the United States. ates the support from In fact, people from all 50 states and the all of our donors and is District of Columbia have now attended particularly thankful for programs at the Center--another milestone the support of greater for 2009. Madison family. Without The Center has also created several the genius of James new programs this year, among these are Madison, we would not an “Introduction to Constitutional Theory, enjoy the liberties and opportunities we all History, and Interpretation” program for treasure as Americans. teachers. This new seminar helps fill out the The NSMFD salutes Mr. O’Brien and Center’s program offerings for teachers and staff on another wonderful year at The complements the graduate level seminars Center for the Constitution. already hosted at Montpelier. This seminar will be adapted in 2010 as a tuition-based program for anyone who wants to attend Estate of Johnny Scott Donates Papers seminars at Montpelier. In December of this year the Center to Montpelier will host our inaugural program for police officers, giving law enforcement officials a By Ann Thornton, NSMFD Director “When Uncle James died I went to new way to think about the Constitution. Montpelier at once. After his remains Officers will learn how the Constitution Historical papers found at had been placed in the coffin I noticed is not a restraint on their ability to do Beaumont, the home of the late Johnny that no rest had been provided for his their job, but in fact is the source of their Scott, have been donated to The head, and his position was unnatural Montpelier Foundation by Mr. Scott’s looking. I was almost a member of the estate. Johnny was an enthusiastic mem- family during his life time and remem- ber of the NSMFD and a gracious host bered a handsome cushion that had been to the board members and their families given him by Gen. Washington which he during our annual meetings in Orange prized very highly. It was a Turkish cush- County. ion, very handsome, covered with red Included in the original hand writ- damask – what we call “Turkey red,” and ten notes found at Beaumont were was kept on a sofa in the parlor. I got writings from W.W. Scott, Johnny’s this and with my own hands lifted up his grandfather. W.W. Scott was an Orange head, and placed the cushion under it. It County historian for the years surround- was buried with him. th From left, John Maddison of Lincoln, ing the turn of the 20 century. He was “There was a great concourse of England, the Hon. Helen Marie Taylor and an authority on the families and events of people of all degrees at the burial, who Robert Monroe Clarke after the unveil- the piedmont area and was the author of were slow in dispersing after the cer- ing of the William Dunlap portrait of the History of Orange County. William emonies were over. I went back to the President Madison at The James Madison Wallace Scott was descended from the house and without ceremony walked in, Museum in Orange on Father’s Day, June Madisons through his mother, Claudia expecting to extend such consolation as I 21. The Dunlap portrait is one of only five Marshall Willis, whose two great, great could to my uncle’s widow. To my great painted from life of President Madison and uncles and William surprise I found her, not in the depths has been in private collections for many Madison were brothers of the president. of woe but busy at his secretary, opening decades. Its unveiling at the James Madison The following story is third hand as drawers, reading papers, etc.” Museum is the first time it has ever been it was told to Mr. Scott by “a local anti- These papers are wonderful histori- on public display, courtesy of Mrs. Taylor, quarian of high esteem” who in turn had cal records and we thank Johnny and his its present owner. been told it by a niece of the President: family for sharing them with us.

–7– 2009 Triennial Reunion Celebrates Completion of “Montpelier” Restoration Continued from page 1 from a man who had spent most of his ware to Montpelier Foundation President “Montpelier” and its grand, picturesque adult life in opposition to the British gov- Michael Quinn, who joined us this year for and quite enfolding summer landscape very ernment. dinner with his wife Carolyn, and gamely much more as President Madison’s genera- John has been more than invaluable endured, as they have for so many years, tion knew it, one can understand some of to us by sharing his own research into the our high-spirited, often eccentric, and some the affinity that Count Conzano appar- English lines of the family and giving us might say slightly anarchic, sense of humor. ently felt when he visited it in 1825. Not access to his connections “at home” - his The Quinns have assembled a remark- by chance or whim did our ancestors fill reasoned, bright, generous and very precise able and talented staff during their tenure at Orange County and the Piedmont with academic mind has helped us to understand Montpelier, and many of them, in addition Palladian and Italianate homes, churchs and the wider Maddison (two “d”s and proud to Phyllis Johnson, pitched in this year to public buildings - their everyday surround- of it!) legacy through a different light and make the reunion what has been referred ings deliberately evoked the full beakers of experience: but still the same result here, to by many as “our absolute best,” in par- Keats’ warm south, and they strove to match that “good heart and good head” which ticular John Jeanes, Thomas Chapman, it with the architectural and landscape President Madison’s contemporaries dis- Matt Reeves, Rick Payne, Kimberly Skelly, symbols evocative of the Roman Republic, cerned in him so well. Sandy Mudrinich, Lynne Hastings and Amy the succesor Italian republics and estates of This is all a reminder, too, that the Larrabee Cotz. the Renaissance, and the ancient republican family’s experience and influence in and Helen Marie Taylor’s double kindness virtues of moderation, intimate order, form beyond England exceeds what we have on our Reunion Sunday by making public and self-control. taken formal note of for some time from the William Dunlap portrait of President But this is now very much a public our American perspective, and our research Madison and feting us yet again with a place - a nationally-owned museum - no now is tending to dramatically confirm that very grand and beautiful tea reception in longer so private and self-enclosed, and we the scope and reach of that legacy is equally our honor can only be valued as it is - a are only the guests here of The Montpelier consequential to President Madison’s contri- exemplar of those same Madisonian values Foundation by whose continued generosity bution and, perhaps, arguably greater. of generosity and concern for the education this estate is made available for our use every In inviting and encouraging John to and uplift of the wider public, as well as a three years. At any time, the mission of the be with us this year, we had hoped that familial solidarity so unique to the Taylor Foundation to make known and understood he would carry with him back to England connection. Indeed, for decades Jaquelin P. these values and contributions of the fam- some sense of the best of the Old Dominion Taylor, later his son Jaquelin E. Taylor and ily, in particular of President and Dolley which the 19th century author John Helen Marie kept the legacy of President Madison, would be an heroic task in a Pendleton Kennedy described as “the mel- Madison alive, not only among the fam- culture often philosophically and politically low, bland, and sunny luxuriance of her old- ily, but to the visiting public via the James hostile and alien to those same values, but time society - its good fellowship, its hearty Madison Museum whose astonishing collec- it is more than doubly so in the economic and constitutional companiableness, the tion of significant Madisonianna seems to turbulence through which the country now thriftless gayety of the people . . . and that grow and refresh with each visit. passes. overflowing hospitality which knew no ebb.” Growth and refreshment can also be No less than any other museum prop- Yet our anxiety, after several days of said to categorize the work of the Society erties at this time, “Montpelier” and The indefatigable feasting, was that he would this past year as we have added dozens of James Madison Museum greatly depend on return to tell your English cousins - when new members, many from the Beale con- the continued generosity of those who love asked “what are those Maddisons over there nection, and added to our knowledge of the and understand the legacy of President and like?“ - only that “well, they talk a lot, they family’s wider history in significant ways, Dolley Madison, and we encourage all the eat a lot, and they drink a lot!“ both home and abroad. family to give what they can, however small But we will let John speak for himself It must be remembered that the very or seemingly so, of money, time or simple about the experience, as you will read from careful and very professional work done by effort to keep alive a heritage most uniquely his article written for Britain’s Family History Iris Eaton and Ruth Lewis in vetting gene- ours and now only so recently reclamed in Monthly which he has allowed us to reprint alogy submissions for so many years, and substantial measure from over a century in this newsletter. their insistence on very strict documentation and a half of indifference, neglect or, often, This significant reunion was a good in this, gives an authenticity and integrity contempt. time to take stock, as well, of the achieve- to our membership and identity that some This legacy, grounded, ultimately, as ments of our former Presidents - Iris Eaton, genealogical societies might well envy. This President Madison said of his Republic “in Jack Ewing, Ridge Porter, Ann Thornton involves many hours of research and verifi- a sense of justice derived from the people and John Macon by formally recognizing cation on their part and, of course, makes themselves,” surely must and will endure their contributions to the family in so many them often the first recipients of the ire of without us as a family, but our own sense ways at our Reunion Dinner - a very small disappointed hopes or injured pretense, and of identity and duty - our amour propre - token from us to these amazing and talented the diplomacy and patience with which they gives us no choice but to “carry on,” in any cousins. And what better place or time have carried out this vital and often unpleas- way available to us, the work he began - or, make formal our presentation of the fam- ant duty is truly extraordinary. perhaps, himself carried forward - over 200 ily’s gift of the Madison replica silver table- Seeing the restored mansion house at years ago. –8– Book Review tis, is transcended by the undiminished researched and thoroughly enjoyable Continued from page 4 energy and enthusiasm with which he biography of one of our family connec- pursued his Old Whig political goals after tion’s most fascinating lives and intellects, There was personal tragedy enough, the war - after all, it was the duty and role Parrish’s biography is the fit prelude to any most of it endemic to the war, and the to which he believed he had been born reading (or re-reading) of Destruction and deaths of his sons in 1863 from scarlet and which most people little begrudged or Reconstruction and that closer encounter fever at the ages of three and five, coupled doubted. with Dick Taylor which his own work com- with the harshness of the exposure she Not only a masterful, copiously pels. passed through during the war, eventually overcame his wife Myrthe (“Mimi” ) and hastened her own early death at the age of Registrar Contact Information 41 in 1874. The stoicism with which Dick Taylor faced these losses, as well as the By Iris Collins Eaton, Registrar to participate. We look forward to your financial and property losses he incurred involvement in the NSMFD! during the war and a near life-long battle The National Society of the Madison Send copies of your proofs and the with the debilitations of rheumatoid arthri- Family Descendants organization is open NSMFD application to: to all persons who can show proof accept- Iris Collins Eaton Society Lifetime Members able to the Registrar that they are descended Registrar, The National Society of the from any lateral or collateral American Madison Family Descendants Carole S. Alderman ancestor of President James Madison, 3807 Olympia Drive Peter Belfield paternal or maternal, who was living in this Houston, TX 77019-3031 Prudence Richardson Beidler country (Colony) after 1607. Email: [email protected] Margaret Macon Boeker In the past, we have received a number Phone: 713-840-7675 Andrea Lynn Bruce-Smith of applications without adequate proof of Robert G. Bruce lineage. We can help you locate this infor- Joseph Gregg Casagrande mation if you will tell us where you have The Society’s Current Rebecca L. Casagrande come to a stopping point in your search. Officers and Directors: Albert Byrd Taliaferro Conway We may already have information that you George Byrd Taliaferro Conway are searching for or can help you in your Officers: Timothy Roy Reid Conway search. Frederick Madison Smith, President - Marietta, GA Betsy Wornom Craft Our online application form is at Susan Lewis Fogg, Vice President - Tappahannock, VA Adrienne Iris Eaton www.jamesmadisonfamily.com (click C. Edward Kube, Jr., Secretary - Mineral, VA Iris Collins Eaton “Membership”) and has been updated to A. Preston Moore, Jr., Treasurer - Charlottesville, VA James Madison Ewing including date and place of marriage, birth, *Iris Collins Eaton, Registrar - Houston, TX Susan Lewis Fogg death, town, county and state etc. This Paul G. Gaines specific information is needed to confirm Directors: Lee Belfield Heath lineage. If a family member is already been Margaret Macon Boeker - Del Mar, CA Mary Eleanor Fitzhugh Hitselberger accepted to the NSMFD, you may only Letty Gregg Lynn complete the short form and include cop- John William Garrett, IV - Long Island City, NY John F. Macon, II ies (no originals please) of birth certificates, Susan Garrett - Chapel Hill, NC Zachary Taylor Munroe marriage dates as well as names and birth *John Ferratt Macon - Palm Springs, CA Gail Alderman Nimitz dates of their children where applicable. Mark A. Parsells - Wilmington, DE Angine Neely Ogburn We appreciate that so many members *J. Ridgely Porter, III - Montpelier Station, VA Mark A. Parsells have sent family stories and pictures that Gail Babnew-Silverman – Gordonsville, VA Eleanor Madison Macon Porter are rare treasures! 2009’s triennial reunion The Honorable Helen Marie Taylor - Orange, VA J. Ridgely Porter, III at Montpelier was the most attended and *Ann Belfield Thornton - New York, NY Johnny Scott successful to date. We hope current mem- * Past NSMFD Presidents Gail Babnew-Silverman bers will encourage other family members Frederick Madison Smith Ms. Joesph T. Stubbs, Jr. The Honorable Helen Marie Taylor Contact Information Howell L.T.D. Taylor Rev. LaVerne Pike Thomas To provide information on family births or deaths please contact Ann Belfield Thornton Ed Kube, Secretary, PO Box 841, Mineral, VA, 23117; [email protected]. William Francis Thornton h h h h Frank Vaden, III William Garrett, Editor, 4708 Vernon Blvd; Long Island City, NY 11101; Kevin Dale West [email protected]. Samuel J. Wornom, III Newsletter published annually by NSMFD. Raleigh Elroy Worsham

–9– Maddisons Reach Across the Pond, and the Generations, Successfully by Frederick Madison Smith John Maddison began patenting land in the of the family, and it appears that we are colony. making progress in this effort. We hope, by As part of the NSMFD’s ongoing A living John Maddison, this time next year at the least, Y-DNA research project to help in clarify- a retired educator and active to have significant findings ing the family’s English descent and verify genealogist of the Maddison completed to help us sort out lines that cannot be proved by documen- families now living in his these connections with greater tation alone, we were able to track down hometown of Lincoln, not accuracy than the second-hand a descendant of the Maddisons of Hole only provided us with a DNA or hearsay evidence we have House, Derwentside, County Durham, and sample, but access to his very relied on for so many years. convince him to test against two descen- serious collection of family Many months of a per- dants of William Madison, brother of the histories and genealogies, as sistant charm offensive on our President. well as his wider contacts in part convinced John to join us Not only did the Y-DNA of these England who are now helping at the reunion this year - his two separate lines match, but rather us in our genealogy efforts. first visit to Virginia but by closely so considering the generations that We continue to undertake no means his last he has now have passed since the immigration of the some very serious, costly and time-consum- declared - and his brief article regarding his Virginia branch in the 17th century when ing research in England to make the precise experiences sent to Family History Monthly President Madison’s great-great grandfather documentary link between these branches magazine in the United Kingdom was cho- sen as a prize winning submission for pub- lication. With John’s permission, we reprint Maddisons/Madisons, Where Art Thou? it at left.

By John Maddison of fourth US President, James Madison and his wife, Dolley, included a guided NSMFD Treasurer It was through a chance meet- tour of the tastefully restored man- ing on the Internet that I came across sion house, a film and various talks on John Macon Cornick Frederick Madison Smith and through Madison family history, archaeology, a his kindness that I have recently had tour of the gardens, and a wreath-laying After many terms the privilege and pleasure of travelling ceremony at which an all-green wreath as our Treasurer, to Virginia US, in order to attend the to the memory of James and his wife John Macon Cornick 2009 Triennial Reunion of the National was supplemented by white carnations decided to resign this Society of Madison Family Descendants, in memory of past members. Lunches, a summer following a (NSMFD) of which Fred is the current dinner and champagne receptions, com- diagnosis of ALS (Lou President. pleted the entertainment. Gehrig’s Disease) which Understandably, I was somewhat To sum up, yes, it was a long and will require his almost diffident about embarking upon an eight expensive way to go solely for a two day constant attention, as thousand miles round trip to a foreign function, but well worth every mile and well as that of his wife country where I would know absolutely every penny. I would urge all Maddison Gina, and his daugh- no one, in order to attend a two day or Madison descendants who find them- ters Mary Catherine and Macon. A man of function of an organisation about which selves in the area, to make a special point uncompromising exactitude, diligence and I knew precious little. But I need not of visiting Montpelier, which is South of benevolence in his professional and personal have been concerned. The members Washington DC and close to the delight- life, John has shepherded us through some were kindness itself. They treated me ful, sleepy little town of Orange, or, bet- thin financial days and generally managed like an honoured guest and nothing was ter still, become a member the Society our affairs in that department with a skill too much trouble for my host. They and be there with me at the next reunion nothing short of astonishing for an associa- referred to me as “Our cousin from in 2012. In the meantime, and subject tion such as ours. Moreover, he, Gina and Great Britain” and humorously, I intro- to the response, I hope to compile a the girls have been an always bright and duced myself to all as “John Maddison, comprehensive database of interested hopeful presence to each of us personally, with two Ds and proud of it.” Even the family members, with a view to forming and models of the best of life exemplified weather gods smiled upon us and the a British branch of the Society, in the by the extended family. heat of the Virginian sun was outdone hope that one day, the Society’s officers The NSMFD board would like to only by the genuine warmth of the wel- will find it appropriate to amend its title thank John for his help, service and guid- come. to International. For further details, ance. Please remember John and his family The Reunion itself which was with no obligation, please contact me by in your thoughts and prayers always as they attended by over 200 members and their email ([email protected]). face this very challenging illness; Gina has families, took place over a June weekend established a weblog for us to keep in touch at Montpelier, Virginia, one time home with their progress: http://thecornicks.pos- terous.com, password wakedr. –10– The New Dolley Where There’s A Will... The persistent will to persevere in this effort is a multi-year project, and like Madison Society the enormous and complicated project of the mansion, it will require an endow- By Margaret Macon Boeker, Director, returning Madison’s home to its original ment for its future stability. NSMFD 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 With her hospitality and diplomacy, asset to the nation and as such deserved are the pillars that hold up Montpelier’s Dolley Madison created a standard of a major commitment of energy and future. The easiest way to make an estate national etiquette that helped define the resources. The preservation of the site gift is through a bequest in your will. emerging American democracy. Deemed by where Madison researched and pondered You might consider, however, a gift of an a contemporary as “one of America’s most all options for creating a stable system of insurance policy or real estate. valuable assets,” Dolley realized the ways in government for this new country, drew Won’t you name The Montpelier which social interaction could aid a political support not only in current dollars but Foundation as a beneficiary of your agenda. She served as the premier hostess in the start of an endowment, funds that estate? In recognition of your generos- in Washington society not only while James are never spent but with wise invest- ity, you will be invited to become a Madison was President, but also during ment, grow and produce income for The member of The Madison Pillars Society, the eight years he was Secretary of State. Montpelier Foundation’s wide array of those special people whose gifts ensure Dolley Madison understood the power of activities and programs. Montpelier’s stability for future genera- building relationships to ease political rival- To provide a learning center where tions? Even though your gift will arrive ry and established protocols that are still in Madison’s unique ideas as embodied in after your lifetime, The Montpelier effect today, ultimately inspiring the term, the US Constitution can be taught and Foundation would like to honor you “First Lady.” discussed, The Montpelier Foundation is now. The Montpelier Foundation is honor- making plans to expand The Center for Where there’s a will, there truly is a ing Dolley Madison and the supporters the Constitution. In addition to adding way to keep Montpelier a beautiful and who seek to preserve the lives and legacies new programs, expansion plans include vibrant national treasure. of James and Dolley Madison by form- the construction of new campus for The Margaret Macon Boeker, Director, ing this Society. Members of the Dolley Center. Like the mansion restoration, NSMFD Madison Society share a close relationship with Montpelier and are invited to special (Cut Out Box) events, lectures and tours throughout the year. Their financial support helps ensure CONFIDENTIAL REPLY FORM that future generations understand, embrace and rediscover the values that define our ______I have included The Montpelier Foundation in my will. nation. Please enroll me in The Pillars Society There are three levels of membership in the Society, each with its own attractive ______I would like more information on how to include The benefits. Membership can start at the $500 Montpelier Foundation in my estate plans and the benefits of dollar level and go to $4,999. Madison Pillars Society membership Cabinet membership starts with annual gifts of $5,000. Name______Why not join in honoring Dolley Madison and take the opportunity to enjoy Phone______Montpelier throughout the year at the same time? For more information, please contact Karen Costello at 540-672-2728, ext 108. Address______

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Clip and mail to: Kimberly Skelly, Director of Development, Wanda B. Klimczak P.O. Box 911, Orange, VA 22960 Mary Stewart Butler Lewis Augusta Maupin Porter Molnar John Miller Nichols The National Society of the Madison Family Descendants Website Johnny Scott www.jamesmadisonfamily.com Sallie Macon Porter Williams

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