Madison I (Schooner)
James Madison was the fourth President of the United States. See James Madison (DANFS III,496) for President Madison's biography.
Commander James Jonas Madison, born 20 May 1888 in Jersey City, N.J., was appointed lieutenant in the Naval Reserve 8 May 1917. As commanding officer of Ticonderoga 30 September 1918 when she was attacked and sunk by enemy submarines, Commander Madison, in spite of severe wounds which later necessitated the amputation of a leg, continued to direct and maneuver the ship until forced to order her abandoned. "For exceptionally heroic service in a position of great responsibility..." during this engagement, Commander Madison was awarded the Medal of Honor. He died 25 December 1922 at Brooklyn, N.Y. The first two Madisons were named for President Madison; the third for Comdr. Madison.
I
Schooner Madison, built at Sackett's Harbor, N.Y. by Henry Eckford, was launched on Lake Ontario 26 November 1812, Lt. Jesse D. Elliot in command. She was the first U.S. corvette launched on the lake.
Madison departed Sackett-s Harbor, N.Y., 25 April 1813 as flagship of Commodore Chauncey; she saw active duty in the War of 1812 as part of Chauncey's Lake Ontario Squadron. Madison participated in the capture of York, now Toronto, Canada, in April; the attacks on Fort George in May; and engagements with British squadrons on Lake Ontario 7 to 11 August and 11 to 22 September 1865.
After the end of the war, Madison, a fast schooner, but not very safe, laid up at Sackett's Harbor until sold in 1825.
