James Madison, born March 16, 1751, the first of ten children born to a slave owning family in Orange County, Virginia. He grew up to be an impassioned opponent of established religion and advocate of what was then called freedom of conscience. In 1779, Madison was selected to represent Virginia in the Continental Congress and was the youngest member. Madison was highly instrumental in the convening of the Constitutional Convention; he played a key part in guiding the Constitution through the Continental Congress. In 1809, Madison became the fourth President of the United States.