George Madison

George Madison
6th Governor of Kentucky
In office September 5, 1816 – October 14, 1816
Lieutenant	Gabriel Slaughter
Preceded by	Isaac Shelby
Succeeded by	Gabriel Slaughter
Personal details
Born	June 1763 Augusta County, Virginia
Died	October 14, 1816(1816-10-14) (aged 53) Paris, Kentucky
Resting place	Frankfort Cemetery
Political party	Democratic-Republican
Spouse	Jane Smith
Relations	Brother of Bishop James Madison and Thomas Madison; cousin of President James Madison
Profession	Soldier
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	Continental Army Kentucky militia
Rank	Major
Battles/wars	American Revolutionary War Northwest Indian War War of 1812

George Madison (June 1763 – October 14, 1816) was the sixth Governor of Kentucky. He was the first governor of Kentucky to die in office, serving only a few weeks in 1816. Little is known of Madison's early life. He was a member of the influential Madison family of Virginia, and was a second cousin to President James Madison. He served with distinction in three wars – the Revolutionary War, Northwest Indian War, and War of 1812. He was twice wounded in the Northwest Indian War, and in the War of 1812 he was taken prisoner following the Battle of Frenchtown in Michigan.

Madison's political experience before becoming governor consisted of a twenty-year tenure as state auditor. Although his military service made him extremely popular in Kentucky, he sought no higher office until the citizens insisted he run for governor in 1816. James Johnson, his only challenger in the race, dropped out early due to Madison's overwhelming popularity, and Madison was elected without opposition. A few weeks later, he became the first Kentucky governor to die in office. Opponents of his lieutenant governor, Gabriel Slaughter, mounted a popular but unsuccessful challenge to Slaughter's succeeding Madison in office.