For almost twenty years George Madison
served as auditor of Kentucky public accounts.
He resigned his position as auditor in 1816 to
run for the office of governor.  James Johnson,
Madison's opponent, dropped out of the race
and Madison was elected without opposition.  

Plagued by failing health and too ill to return
to Frankfort, George Madison was given the
oath of office by the Bourbon County justice
of the peace on September 5, 1816. He
only served a few weeks as governor.

George Madison died on October 14, 1816
and is buried along side his wife in the Frankfort
Cemetery,  section M. He was the first Kentucky
governor to die in office. George Madison was first
buried in the city cemetery.  In 1874, by resolution
of the Kentucky Legislature, his remains were
moved to the Frankfort Cemetery.  The monument
that marks the grave of Governor Madison and
Governor Greenup was erected in 1874.