James Madison

James Madison, Jr. (March 16, [O.S. March 5] 1751 – June 28, 1836) was a political theorist, American statesman, and served as the fourth President of the United States (1809–17). He is hailed as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Madison inherited his plantation Montpelier in Virginia and owned hundreds of slaves during his lifetime. He served as both a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and as a member of the Continental Congress prior to the Constitutional Convention. After the Convention, he became one of the leaders in the movement to ratify it, both nationally and in Virginia. His collaboration with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay produced The Federalist Papers, among the most important treatises in support of the Constitution. Madison changed his political views during his life. During deliberations on the constitution, he favored a strong national government, but later preferred stronger state governments, before settling between the two extremes late in his life.

James Madison (bishop)

James Madison (August 27, 1749 – March 6, 1812) was the first bishop of the Diocese of Virginia of The Episcopal Church in the United States, one of the first bishops to be consecrated to the new church after the American Revolution. He also served as the eighth president of the College of William and Mary.

Youth, education

Born in Port Republic, in Augusta County, near Staunton, Virginia, he was the son of John and Agatha (née Strother) Madison. He was educated at home and at a private school in Maryland, before attending the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where he graduated with high honors in 1771. On July 29, 1772, he received the gold medal given as a prize for classical learning by the Royal Governor of Virginia, Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt, who is better known in Virginia as "Lord Botetourt".

He read law with George Wythe, and was admitted to the bar, though he did not practice law.

Dual career: educator and theologian

Madison taught philosophy and mathematics at the college from 1773 to 1775, when he went to England to be ordained a priest of the Church of England. He returned to the Colony of Virginia, and was serving as an instructor at William and Mary as the hostilities which led to the American Revolutionary War broke out.

James Madison (Medal of Honor)

James Madison (1842 - August 7, 1926) was a Sergeant in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his role in the American Civil War. "James Madison" was an alias, his true name was James Congdon.

Congdon enlisted in the Army from Fairport, New York in October 1861, but was discharged for disability in January 1862. Despite this, he re-enlisted in May 1862, and fought at the Battle of Culpeper Court House, where he was wounded. He mustered out with his regiment in June 1865.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization. Sergeant, Company E, 8th New York Cavalry. Place and date: At Waynesboro, Virginia, March 2, 1865. Entered service at: Fairport, New York. Birth: Niagara, New York. Date of issue: March 26, 1865.

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