Google+

Dolly Madison House (Todd House)

1769 Deed from Hezekiah Hibberd, Carpenter to Jonathan Dillworth, Carpenter 

In 1775, Jonathan Dillworth built 3 corner brick houses at the Northeast corner of 4th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia.  The corner house was rented out until purchased by John Todd in 1791.  Dolly Payne moved with her family from Virginia to Philadelphia in 1783.  In 1790, Dolly Payne married John Todd and they then lived in the house – (Philadelphia was the US Capitol from 1790 to 1800).  John Todd died in 1793 from the Yellow Fever epidemic and the young Dolly, not only lost her husband, but also her son.  The following year Dolly married John Madison, who became President of the United States from 1809 to 1817. Dolly moved from the Capitol in Philadelphia to the Capitol in Washington, DC, where she, as First Lady was known for her hospitality.  They had a 43 year marriage. 

This Deed is now part of the Independence National Historic Park, and the house is listed as part of the INHP, it is located directly across the street from Independence Hall.