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 (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.