Madison, James, Dd

Madison, James, D.D., an early Episcopal prelate in America, was born near Port Republic, Rockingham County, Va., Aug. 27, 1749; passed A.B. in the Collegeof William and Mary in 1772; was soon after admitted to the bar, which he abandoned for the ministry; in 1773 became professor of mathematics in his alma mater; in 1775 proceeded to England for ordination, was licensed for Virginia, but on his return resumed his duties as professor in his alma mater, of which he became president in 1777. He afterwards revisited England to see Cavallo and other scientific men. In 1784 he was changed to the chair of natural and moral philosophy. In 1788 he was chosen bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, and in 1790 was consecrated in England. Under his care the College of William and Mary advanced steadily in reputation. He discharged his duties with zeal and fidelity until his death, March 6, 1812. In his theology bishop Madison was much of a rationalist, and is charged by bishop Coxe (Am. Ch. Rev. Jan. 1872, p. 35 and 46) with having given "something worse than a negative support" to this dangerous element in the Church. He published some Sermons, Letters, and Addresses; also A Eulogy on Washington (1800). See Sprague, Annals, v. 318; Drake, Dict. of Am. Biog. S. v.