Governor George Madison
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Historical Marker #1896 in Franklin County commemorates Governor George Madison, an 1812 veteran who only held office for a few weeks.
Born in Virginia in 1763, George was second cousin to U.S. President James Madison. While he had some militia service during the Revolutionary War, after moving to Kentucky George was wounded twice in 1791 while fighting Native Americans.
During the War of 1812, Madison was second major in the 1st Kentucky Rifle Regiment. Captured at the Battle of River Raisin in January 1813, he was released in 1814 and returned to Kentucky.
Madison was one of many 1812 officers who used their military service to propel them into high political office. For many years he served as Kentucky's auditor of public accounts, and, despite poor health, ran and won the governor's race in 1816. Too sick to travel to Frankfort, he took the oath of office in Bourbon County. He died about a month later, on October 14, 1816, and was buried in Frankfort.
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Governor George Madison
Kentucky Governor George Madison was one of several governors who were veterans of the War of 1812. Courtesy the Kentucky Historical Society.
Handle from Governor George Madison's coffin
Governor George Madison died in office in 1816, after serving for only a few weeks as the state's executive. His remains were later reinterred. This handle from his coffin is now in the collections of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Auditor's Office Receipt
Before he was governor, George Madison was a long-time auditor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This receipt, from the collection of the Kentucky Historical Society, was made out and signed by Madison.
Signature of Governor George Madison
The signature of Governor George Madison, from a document in the collections of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Grave of Governor George Madison
Governor Madison is buried in section M of the Frankfort Cemetery.
Inscription on Governor George Madison's grave.
The inscription on Governor Madison's grave notes his career as a soldier and public servant. Madison is buried in section M of the Frankfort Cemetery.
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