Cussina was one of the 14 children listed in the 1732 estate inventory of Ambrose Madison. Her name does not appear in any other surviving document.

Known as “Old Anthony” by the 1790s, Anthony may have been enslaved by Ambrose Madison in 1732 or earlier. Anthony and his wife Betty had at least one son, Billey Gardner.

Shadrach, born January 7, 1767, was enslaved by James Madison Sr. and was the overseer of a tract called “Shadracks.” He was inherited by Madison Sr.’s son-in-law Isaac Hite.

Catharine “Caty” Taylor was often separated from her husband Ralph when Dolley Madison lived in Washington. After Dolley’s son died, Caty sued for her family’s freedom.

Born December 10, 1763, Sally was 19 years old when James Madison Sr. gave her to his new son-in-law, Isaac Hite. In his commonplace book, Hite wrote next to Sally’s name: “sold.”

Gideon was one of several enslaved people given by James Madison Sr. to his son Francis in January 1773. Gideon worked on Francis’s property in Culpeper County in 1783.

Harriet was a skilled weaver, whom Dolley Madison deeded to her son in 1844. He tried to sell Harriet to several buyers, finally selling her for $275 on December 24, 1845.

Joseph’s name appears only once in the documentary record, when James Madison wrote that Joseph’s health had not worsened, but a second tumor had appeared.

Betty, sometimes called “Big” or “Old” Betty, was enslaved by James Madison Sr. and possibly by his father Ambrose. She married Anthony and was the mother of Billey Gardner.