Madison, George, 1763-1816

Madison was born in Augusta County, Virginia in 1763. He began a distinguished military career with service in the American Revolution. After moving to Kentucky, Madison served as an officer during the Indian wars. Governor Isaac Shelby appointed him auditor of public accounts in 1796 and Madison retained the office for more than twenty years. In the War of 1812, Madison won distinction on the field before being wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of the River Raisin. Madison resigned as auditor in 1816 and ran for governor. His opponent withdrew from the race, due to the war hero's popularity, so Madison's election was assured. However, he had just taken office when he died at the age of 53, possibly from complications of his war wounds.

Biographical note: George Madison was born in Augusta County, Virginia in 1763. He began a distinguished military career with service in the American Revolution. After moving to Kentucky, Madison served as an officer during the Indian wars. Governor Isaac Shelby appointed him Auditor of Public Accounts in 1796 and Madison retained the office for more than twenty years. In the War of 1812, Madison won distinction on the field before being wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of the River Raisin.

Madison resigned as auditor in 1816 and ran for governor. His opponent withdrew from the race, due to the war hero's popularity, so Madison's election was assured. However, he had just taken office when he died at the age of fifty-three, possibly from complications of his war wounds.