The Naming Project: Daughter of Gabriel
“Gabriel & Daughter” appear on an 1845 list of enslaved people drawn up by Dolley Madison’s son, John Payne Todd. The name of Gabriel’s daughter is unknown to us.
Digging Deeper
Behind the Scenes at James Madison's Montpelier
The Naming Project: York
York was mentioned in James Madison Sr.’s records beginning in 1768, and continuing through the 1780s. He was issued a pair of size 6 shoes on November 2, 1787.
The Naming Project: Benjamin McDaniel
Benjamin McDaniel, who often worked as a courier, traveled over 50 miles to Dr. Henkal’s in New Market in June 1843, carrying a pass signed by Dolley Madison.
The Naming Project: Milly
Milly, sometimes called “Granny Milly,” was 104 years old when she met General Lafayette at Montpelier in 1825. She lived in a cabin with her daughter and 70-year-old granddaughter.
The Naming Project: Clarissa
Clarissa’s name appears on James Madison Sr.’s tax records in the 1780s. She may be the same woman as Clarisea, who was listed on Ambrose Madison’s 1732 inventory.
The Naming Project: Gabriel
Gabriel was in his 50s when Dolley Madison gave him to her son John Payne Todd in 1844. Todd tried to free Gabriel in his will, but due to estate debts, this likely never happened.
The Naming Project: Daphne
Daphne was enslaved by James Madison Sr. in the 1780s. Her son Shadrach and daughter Anna were inherited by Madison Sr.’s son-in-law, Isaac Hite, in 1801.
The Naming Project: Aleck (Ellick)
Aleck drove James Madison’s wagon to Fredericksburg and Richmond in the 1820s and 30s, delivering tobacco and wheat to merchants, and returning with goods for the Madisons.