George Madison Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

 George Madison (1763-1816), the second cousin of President James Madison, served as the second Auditor of Public Accounts in Kentucky for 20 years. Appointed by Isaac Shelby, the state's first Governor, Madison, who was originally from Virginia, had been a Revolutionary War hero. When the War of 1812 broke out, Madison became a regimental commander under Colonel John Allen. Captured by the British, he was taken to Quebec. Later released in an exchange of officers, Madison returned to his duties as Auditor, but his popularity led to his election as Governor of Kentucky on September 5, 1816. Madison served only five weeks in office, dying on October 14, 1816. The state's first Governor to die in office, Madison's death created a legislative crisis in the state, whose legislators argued over whether the Lieutenant Governor should serve as Governor only until a special election could be held or should complete the deceased Governor's term; the legislature finally decided on the latter.