John Payne Todd

John Payne Todd (February 29, 1792 – January 16, 1852) was an American individual primarily known for his familial connections and personal history. He was the first son of Dolley Payne and John Todd Jr. His father and younger brother William Temple Todd died in the 1793 Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic, which resulted in the death of approximately 10 percent of the city's population.

Following these family tragedies, his mother Dolley Payne Todd remarried in 1794 to James Madison, who later became the President of the United States. Madison adopted John Payne Todd when he was approximately two years old. He attended St. Mary's Seminary, a Catholic boarding school in Baltimore, for eight years, although reports indicate that he was unsuited for academic pursuits.

In his adult life, Todd did not establish a fixed career. He was believed to have struggled with alcoholism and was subject to multiple legal convictions including shooting incidents, assaults, and disruptions of the peace, which led to repeated jail sentences. On two occasions, he was placed in debtors' prison, with his stepfather James Madison covering his debts and bail bonds by mortgaging the Madison family estate, Montpelier. Madison appointed him to manage operations at Montpelier temporarily; however, Todd was unsuccessful in this role.

In 1814, Madison assigned Todd as a secretary to an official delegation to Europe, a position that involved travel. During this period, Todd spent much of his time drinking, engaging in shooting, and acquiring art. Despite being entrusted with managing Montpelier at times, he was unable to effectively oversee its operations.

Todd's personal difficulties contributed to financial instability in Dolley Madison's later life. She sold part of her estate to settle his debts and cover expenses, although she maintained her involvement and care for him. She resided with and was cared for by her niece Anne Cutts, and she left her estate to Todd after her death at age 81.

John Payne Todd died of typhoid fever on January 16, 1852, in Washington, D.C., at nearly 60 years of age. He was interred in the Congressional Cemetery. His will included provisions for the manumission of all his slaves, although their freedom was delayed by his debts. The Taylor family, former enslaved individuals associated with Dolley Madison, petitioned for their emancipation, which was granted in 1853. The Taylor family continued to reside in Washington, where Ralph Taylor, who had been a servant on Dolley Madison's estate, remained with his wife Catherine and their children.

References and external links associated with John Payne Todd include Wikimedia Commons media and video content from CSPAN3's American History TV regarding the Congressional Cemetery.