We Were Always Free: The Maddens of Culpeper County, Virginia: A 200-Year Family History
SKU: 38882632745

We Were Always Free: The Maddens of Culpeper County, Virginia: A 200-Year Family History

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We Were Always Free: The Maddens of Culpeper County, Virginia: A 200-Year Family HistoryIn August of 1758, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, a poor Irish immigrant named Mary Madden bore a child, Sarah Madden, whose father was said to be a slave and the property of Colonel James Madison, father of the future president of the United States. This daughter, though born a free mulatto, became indentured to the Madisons. There she worked as a seamstress to pay off the fine of her birth until she was 31 years old. Sarah Madden bore ten

In August of 1758, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, a poor Irish immigrant named Mary Madden bore a child, Sarah Madden, whose father was said to be a slave and the property of Colonel James Madison, father of the future president of the United States. This daughter, though born a free mulatto, became indentured to the Madisons. There she worked as a seamstress to pay off the fine of her birth until she was 31 years old.

Sarah Madden bore ten children and when the term of her indenture was over, she and her youngest son, Willis, struck out for themselves--Sarah as a seamstress, laundress, and later, with Willis, a dairy farmer and tavern keeper. Stories of Willis and Sarah were passed down in Madden family lore through the generations--their hard work, their business sense, their ability to overcome obstacles, poverty, illiteracy, prejudice. This is the chronicle of those generations, a 200-year history of a kind unusually complete in American history. Two factors make it so--that Sarah Madden and her offspring kept their stories alive, and that they saved hundreds of important documents of their freedom, hardship, and daily work.

These documents came to light in 1949 when author T.O. Madden, Jr. (great great grandson of Sarah Madden) conceived a powerful desire to know more of his bygone generations. He began to investigate, and his search for family brought him to a hidebound trunk originally belonging to his great grandfather Willis. Its contents brought tears to his eyes. Stored there, awaiting discovery, were papers dating back to the mid-eighteenth century, freedom papers, papers of indenture, deeds of land, Sarah Madden's laundry and seamstress record books, letters, traveling passes. In addition, the leather trunk held an exciting, full set of business records for the days of the nineteenth century when Madden's Tavern flourished as a center of activity in Orange County and as a place for travelers to rest on the road to Fredericksburg.

Since that day, T.O. Madden, Jr., has been deeply researching his family, using census reports, other official sources, familly, and friends. All have led to his ably reconstructed family history, and to his own remarkable story. We Were Always Free is a unique and very American family saga.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 06/17/1992
ISBN: 9780393350128
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.71lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.57d
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SKU: 38882632745

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Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent toy
Size: X-Large, Color: Lobster
Very durable. Dog who has destroyed every toy ever purchased loves this and it is still in great condition.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2026
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Honorific Tails
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 3
Cheese the Day with Nylabone's Power Chew Cheese Chew Toy!
Size: X-Large, Color: Cheese
As a devoted dog parent, I've always believed that our furry friends deserve the best, especially when it comes to their favorite pastime—chewing! Nylabone's Power Chew Cheese Chew Toy is a game-changer that's added an extra layer of excitement to our dog's chewing routine. **Chew-Tastic Design:** First things first, the cheese-inspired shape of this chew toy is a hit in our household. Our dog can't resist its quirky design, and it's become a beloved addition to his chew toy collection. It's like a fun surprise every time he reaches for it! **Flavor Pockets for Fun:** What truly sets this chew toy apart is its flavor pockets. We fill them with spreadable treats, turning regular chew time into an epic adventure. Our dog absolutely loves the challenge of getting every last bit of treat, and it keeps him engaged for hours. **Dental Health Bonus:** Beyond the fun factor, the unique textures on this toy serve a dual purpose. Not only do they provide extra sensory enjoyment for our pup, but they also help clean his teeth as he chews. It's a win-win for both entertainment and dental health. **Built to Last:** Now, let's talk durability. Our dog is a power chewer, and this toy has proven to be up to the challenge. Made from Nylabone's most robust material, it's stood the test of time, promoting healthy chewing habits and saving our furniture from destruction. **Satisfaction All Around:** This chew toy isn't just for our dog's enjoyment; it brings joy to our family too. Seeing our furry friend so engaged and happy is priceless. It satisfies his natural urge to chew while teaching him healthy chewing habits. **A Flavorful Experience:** Did I mention the cheese flavor? It runs throughout the toy, adding another layer of enjoyment for our pup. It's like a delicious treat that never ends! **Perfect for Big Dogs:** As the proud parent of an extra-large dog, we opted for the "Souper" size, designed for dogs over 50 pounds. It's the perfect size for our gentle giant. In conclusion, Nylabone's Power Chew Cheese Chew Toy has become an integral part of our dog's life. It's more than just a chew toy; it's an adventure, a dental health solution, and hours of entertainment all rolled into one. We've embraced the mantra of "Cheese the Day" with this fantastic chew toy, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow dog parents looking to add more joy and flair to their furry friend's life!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2023
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Danielle L Dykhouse
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Dog approved.
Size: X-Large, Color: Cheese
I’m a 70 lbs Goldendoodle (supposed to be 65, don’t ask) and I love cheese. Real cheese. Sharp cheddar with sourdough bread is my dream, but apparently I’m “on a health journey,” so my people bought me this instead. Does this bone actually taste like cheese? No. I am not fooled. Do I still enjoy chewing it loudly while my humans are trying to watch TV? Absolutely yes. This bone satisfies my need to chew and my emotional desire for cheese-adjacent activities. It keeps me busy, saves the furniture, and lets me crunch dramatically during important dialogue scenes. The yellow color is nice — very cheese-coded — although some cheeses are white, so just something to consider for future versions. Also, good news: it doesn’t smell like cheese at all, which my humans seem very grateful for. Apparently they don’t want the carpet to smell like a deli. Weird. Final verdict: Not cheese. Still enjoyable. Would chew again. ~Barley
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2026
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Dez F.
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
A Humorous Twist on Tough Dog Toys!
Size: Large, Color: Lobster 3 Pack
I recently purchased the Nylabone Power Chew Dog Toy Pack for Aggressive Chewers from Amazon, and I must say, these toys have been a hilarious hit with my furry friend. As a dog parent of a strong and determined chewer, finding toys that can withstand their chewing prowess is a top priority, and these toys deliver both durability and a touch of humor. The pack consists of three large/giant-sized toys in the shape of a lobster, cheese, and broccoli. The unique and amusing design puts a smile on my face every time I see my dog interacting with them. The unexpected twist brings a playful element to our daily playtime sessions, making it a fun and engaging experience for both of us. When it comes to durability, these toys excel. My dog can be quite aggressive with their chewing, and I've struggled to find toys that can withstand their powerful jaws. However, the Nylabone Power Chew toys have proven to be impressively tough and durable. Despite rigorous chew sessions, these toys have remained intact, with no signs of wear or damage. They provide a reliable outlet for my dog's chewing instincts without the risk of shredding or ingesting any harmful materials. The textured surfaces of these toys add an extra layer of interest for my dog. The ridges and raised bumps provide sensory stimulation, promoting healthy oral hygiene and helping to clean teeth and gums as they chew. I appreciate the added dental benefits these toys offer, as it helps maintain my dog's dental health while they engage in play. I also appreciate the size options available in this pack. Large and giant-sized dogs often require bigger toys to accommodate their larger mouths and chewing strength. The included toys are appropriately sized for larger breeds, ensuring a comfortable grip and maximum enjoyment during play sessions. As a bonus, these toys are made from high-quality, non-toxic materials, so I have peace of mind knowing that my dog can safely interact with them. Safety is a top priority for me, and Nylabone consistently delivers in that regard. In conclusion, if you have an aggressive chewer and are in search of durable, funny, and engaging dog toys, the Nylabone Power Chew Dog Toy Pack is a fantastic choice. These toys provide hours of entertaining play, withstand even the most determined chewers, and offer dental benefits. Embrace the humorous twist and enjoy watching your furry friend engage in safe and engaging play with these fantastic toys. Invest in the Nylabone Power Chew Dog Toy Pack today and let the lobsters, cheese, and broccoli bring laughter and durability to your dog's playtime!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023
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Kirstyn Shearer
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Solid win for any chewing pup!
Size: Small, Color: Broccoli 3 Pack, Size: Small, Color: Broccoli 3 Pack
My pup loves them! Long lasting plus health benefits for his teeth, 10/10 would recommend 💖
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026

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