A Fine New Home for Young James Madison

About the Book

Young James Madison learned to read at the age of five and books became his world for the next five years. In March 1761 he reached his tenth birthday and his learning moved in a diffrent direction. His father posed a special challenge to his oldest son. Father Madison said, "I have hired a master builder to construct a large, brick home for our family. As my first born son, you have special rights and also, special obligations." He went on and told young James, "I ask that you go to the work site each day to serve as my eyes and ears. From the digging of the basement to the firing of the bricks to the felling of the trees that will become the beams to hold up the house and the rafters to hold up the roof, you, Jemmy, will be there to watch and learn how our new home is put together."

About the Author

Ann Ferguson worked at Montpelier, the home of James Madison, during the years the house underwent a complete restoration, giving her a look at its earliest elements. She took visitors through the house and shared with them her sincere admiration for Mr. Madison and his role in the building of our nation. Also, she linked the known facts of the childhood of young James with her knowledge of 18th century history and her imagination to share with them the role he may have played in the building of the first house. She brings those conclusions to the reader in this book. Ann Ferguson lives in Madison County.