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James Madison was born on March 16, 1751 at Bell Grove

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1757 he was known as a Momma's boy, he was always by his Mother's side.

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In 1763 he and his family moved from their small farmhouse to a large plantation mansion.

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In 1772 James studied law at home but didn't really care for it

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But in 1774 he took a seat on the local Committee of Safety, this was the first step of his life being of public service and his family's money helped him pursue it.

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In 1776 he became a delegate to the revolutionary Virginia Convention.

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In 1778 he won an appointment to the Virginia Council of State.

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Madison in 1780 was then elected to Continental Congress.

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James Madison returned to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1784.

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James in 1787 attended the Constitutional Convention.

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Madison won election to the U.S. House of Representatives over James Monroe in 1789.

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On September 15, 1794, Madison married twenty-six-year-old Dolley Payne Todd.

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Madison authored the Virginia Resolution, adopted by the state legislature in 1798.

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In 1801 President Thomas Jefferson chooses Madison as secretary of state.

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In 1826 he grieved the loss of his friend Thomas Jefferson.

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In 1803 Madison helps make the Louisiana Purchase.

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Madison was elected as president in 1808.

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June 1, 1812, he asked Congress to declare war because the young Nation was not prepared to fight yet.

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In 1817 James retires to his plantation.

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On June 28, 1836 James Madison dies Montpelier, Montpelier Station, VA.