The Naming Project: Stephen
Stephen was one of 50 enslaved people Dolley Madison transferred to her son in 1844. Little else is known about him, except that he took “vegetable pills” when he was sick.
Digging Deeper
Behind the Scenes at James Madison's Montpelier
The Naming Project: Polly
Polly appears on James Madison Sr.’s tax records from 1782-1786, the only years when enslaved people were listed by name. Nothing else is known about her.
The Naming Project: Webster
Born on September 18, 1781, Webster – along with his mother and sisters – became a wedding gift from James Madison Sr. to his daughter Nelly Hite in 1783.
The Naming Project: “Little Girl”
When Judith Rives stopped by Montpelier in 1837, she asked “the little girl who came to the door” whether anyone was home – but didn’t ask the young girl’s name.
The Naming Project: Ezekiel
Ezekiel, age 19, escaped from Montpelier in 1794, headed toward Pennsylvania. His companion was recaptured near Harper’s Ferry, but Ezekiel’s fate is unknown.
The Naming Project: Ailsey Payne
Aisley Payne, an enslaved cook for 30 years, later told a newspaper reporter how she, as a young housemaid, prepared for Gen. Lafayette’s 1824 visit to Montpelier.
The Naming Project: William (Billey) Gardner
William (Billey) Gardner was enslaved and taken by James Madison to Philadelphia, where he was sold after getting too many ideas about liberty.
Making Our List and Checking it Twice: The 2020 Collections Inventory
Learn how the Collections Team organized and implemented the 2020 Complete Collections Inventory.