James Madison

American politician whose contribution to both the philosophy and details of the outline of the new form of government taking shape for the revolutionary U.S. was so significant that he was described in history as the "father of the Constitution." Born sickly, small in size and with a retiring nature, he used his early years in productive study, becoming a giant intellect and an attorney. At 36, he left home for Philadelphia, on 5/02/1787, to participate in the Constitutional Convention chaired by General George Washington. The assembly worked through a long hot summer behind closed doors to reduce distractions, finally adopting the new Constitution on 9/17/1787. Madison had mixed feelings, for as momentous as the document was, he felt unsure of some sections. He served as Secretary of State from 1801-09. His influence was so formative to the emerging government that after the presidency of George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, Madison served as the fourth U.S. President of the U.S. from 3/04/1809 through a second term, 1813-1817. In August 1817 he fled Washington D.C. to escape the British. Four months later, on 12/28/1814, a Treaty of Peace was declared between the U.S. and Britain. He was married in 1794 to Dorothea Payne (Dolley), b. 5/20/1768, Greensboro, NC. In 1826, he became Rector of the University of Virginia. Died on 6/28/1836, Montpelier, VA. Link to Wikipedia biography