Political Role In Thomas Dolley's Life

Although Dolley’s childhood is not described in detail, it was an important time in her life and later influenced her political role. Her father, John Payne, was a wealthy Episcopalian farmer and planter. In Hanover, Virginia in 1761, he married Quaker Mary Coles. Since Quakers could not be married outside of their belief, he applied for membership in her meeting house and was accepted in 1764. In 1765, the Coles moved from Virginia to New Garden, North Carolina. Three years later, on May 20th, Mary gave birth to her fourth child but first daughter, Dolley. In 1769, the Paynes moved back to their plantation in Scotchtown, Virginia. Although she was older by eleven years, Dolley was very close to her sister Anna and records remain of their close confidence during their later years. When Dolley was 15 years old, her father freed their slaves according to the Quaker custom, sold his plantation, and moved the family to Philadelphia* where …show more content…
In 1787, the Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia. Taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity, Dolley saw important political figures such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison. She was greatly inspired by the same patrioticness these men were working so hard for. At 21, Dolley was more than of the age to be married. With her spunky black curls, sparkling blue eyes, rosy cheeks, and charming smile, as well as maturity and propriety beyond her age, she attracted much attention and kept her father busy with many suitors. On Jan 7, 1790, Dolley was wed to John Todd Jr, a wealthy Quaker lawyer. Although she usually acted as a traditional eighteenth century housewife, she did help her husband with his legal papers on occasion. They had two children, John Payne (Payne) and William Temple. Sadly, both her husband and her younger son died on the same day due to the devastating yellow fever epidemic of