James and Dolley Madison
James Madison, being shy and
soft spoken, found the perfect complimentary match in widowed, yet
effervescent,
Dolley Todd, who came from a Quaker background. As a young
wif,
she suffered the deaths of her husband and a young son. Her
remaining son, Payne, was a constant cause of heartbreak for the
Madisons.
James, known as "the father of the
Constitution" came from a Virginia planation family. As
Presidet,
he headed the nation during an unpopular war with Great Britain, which
led to te burning of the White House and Dolley's historic escape from
same.
Dwight (Ike) and Mamie Eisenhower
Ike was first a soldier and Mamie was first a wife...the Presidency and
First Ladyship almost seemed secondary. Ike was in office during 8
years of peace and prosperity, while the "cold war" raged.
Maie
epitomized the ideal "1950's" wife who enjoyed her role of being simply
"Ike's wife". As a young couple , Ike and Mamie suffered the tragic
loss of a child and Mamie had to adapt continually to the many moves of
an Army Wife.
Ike's career in the Army was often
frustrating, yt every step prepaed him for his biggest undertaking,
being Supreme Allied Comader in Europe during World War II and then
President of the United States.