The Death of Stubborn James Madison

It was June of 1836, and James Madison was very old. He was 85 and nearing death. He was the last surviving signer of the Constitution. The 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was approaching on July 4, 1836.

Madison’s friends, family, and doctors wanted to keep Madison alive. They wanted to pump him with drugs, so he would live until July 4. Those in attendance knew that great Founders Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration on July 4, 1826.

And great founder James Monroe died on July 4, 1831, the 55th anniversary of the Declaration. So it was natural to think Madison wanted to live a little longer. 

But James Madison was stubborn. In 1794, Congressman James Madison refused to bend the Constitution and allow federal help for refugees from Haiti, who were fleeing a massive slave rebellion. Madison said the states could help the refugees.

During the War of 1812, President James Madison refused to bend the Constitution by instituting a military draft or signing any "Patriot Act"- style legislation.

And on the last day of his presidency on March 3, 1817, stubborn James Madison vetoed the Bonus Bill, which was sponsored by House Speaker Henry Clay. The bill contained spending not authorized by the Constitution. 

Stubborn James Madison refused life-extending drugs and died on June 28, 1836.

Epilogue

Word of Madison’s death reached the four-lakes region of Wisconsin in early July, where a territorial meeting was taking place. The group decided to name their new city "Madison" in honor of James Madison, in hopes that the name would draw attention to their location. Wisconsin became a US territory on July 4, 1836. And in 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state with new capital Madison, Wisconsin!