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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Kelly B. - Honest Hands-On
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable Chew Toy with a Fun Design
Size: Medium, Style: Bow Tie, Product Packaging: Standard Packaging
The KONG CoreStrength Bow Tie Bone is a playful and sturdy chew toy made to keep dogs busy. Its unique bow tie bone shape makes it easy for dogs to grab and carry, while the reinforced core is built to handle strong chewing. The textured surface not only adds interest but also helps clean teeth and gums during play. It’s tough enough for moderate to heavy chewers and works well for fetch, solo chewing, or tug games. While no toy is completely indestructible, this one holds up longer than many softer toys and gives dogs plenty of chewing satisfaction. Some very aggressive chewers may eventually wear it down, but most dogs will get a lot of use out of it. Pros: The reinforced core makes it more durable than average toys, the textured design supports dental health, and the shape adds variety and fun. Cons: Very heavy chewers may still break it down over time, the toy is fairly heavy for small breeds, and it isn’t designed to bounce or fly like other KONG toys. A strong and engaging chew toy that combines durability with a fun shape. It’s a smart choice for dogs who love to chew and play while also supporting healthier teeth and gums.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2025
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Aaron Timmons
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Best chew toy for GSD’s
Size: Medium, Style: Bone, Product Packaging: Standard Packaging, Size: Medium, Style: Bone, Product Packaging: Standard Packaging
One of my dogs has chewed through most chew toys for aggressive chewers with ease. This toy not only is still in one piece but still her favorite toy. We’ve gotten her many Kong toys and this one has definitely lasted the longest. She’s been chomping on it for about 2 years now and looks mostly whole.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2026
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Brandy
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
🐶 Unleash the Fun with the KONG CoreStrength Bone: The Ultimate Chew Toy for Mighty Molars! 🦴
Size: Medium, Style: Bone, Product Packaging: Standard Packaging
Okay, fellow dog parents, gather around! Have you ever wished for a chew toy that could survive the apocalypse? Well, the KONG CoreStrength Bone is here to save the day (and your sanity)! This isn't just a chew toy; it's a canine's dream turned reality. The multilayered core? It's like the Captain America of dog toys – robust, enduring, and ready for any amount of chew-action your four-legged friend can dish out. Long-lasting chew sessions? Please, that's child's play for this toy. Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – dental health. The textured exterior is like a toothbrush disguised as a toy. It's working overtime, cleaning those teeth and massaging those gums while your pooch is none the wiser, lost in a world of chewy bliss. And if you've got a dog that chews through toys like they're made of butter, this is the holy grail. Made for the toughest of chewers, this bone is like the superhero of dog toys, ready to withstand hours, days, even weeks of relentless gnawing. The design? Pure genius. It's not just a toy; it's a mental workout, keeping your dog entertained, engaged, and away from your favorite shoes. Plus, it's from KONG – a name that's like the Rolex of dog toys. Quality? Check. Durability? Double check. Every dog deserves a toy that's as fun as it is functional, and the KONG CoreStrength Bone ticks all the boxes. Made in the USA with globally sourced materials, it's the kind of toy that makes tails wag and pet parents smile.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023
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Carrie David
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 3
Not for excessive chewers
Size: Small, Style: Bone, Product Packaging: Standard Packaging
Received the product very quickly. Product was well packaged and was exactly what I ordered. This product is NOT for excessive chewers. My doodle had a piece bit off in 15 minutes, and I had to trash the product😞
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Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2026
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Madison G
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for light/moderate chewers
Size: Extra Small, Color: Blue, Size: Extra Small, Color: Blue
My dog wouldn’t stop biting on the toddlers plastic dinosaur toys, so I got him this because it’s similar to plastic. But not hard enough to where it could damage his gums, also not soft enough to break apart. It’s perfect and he’s very happy with it. My dog is 6 LB toy poodle for reference, I would say this is suitable for small dogs. I saw reviews saying that their dog absolutely destroyed it immediately, but then in the review pictures their dogs were baby bulldogs/german shepards! This isn’t meant for breeds like that, but if you have a smaller dog with smaller teeth then this is ideal.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2026

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