Abby Connolly
There have been some pretty fascinating women who have held the title of America’s First Lady.
Can you name the first woman to ever live in the White House as First Lady off the top of your head?
It was Abigail Smith Adams, wife of President John Adams and the country’s second First Lady. Here’s Abigail’s fascinating story as an advocate, wife, mother, and First Lady.
Abigail was born to a prominent family in Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1744. Although Abigail had no formal education, she read books in her family’s library throughout her childhood. She married John Adams in 1764 when he was fresh out of Harvard and ready to begin a career in law.
The couple lived on his farm south of Boston and had three sons and two daughters. John often had to leave home to work as a lawyer and a political revolutionary.
There were many times when they were separated, but the letters Abigail wrote to John soon became cherished historical documents that captured what life was like living in America during the revolution.
One of Abigail’s most famous letters was written to John when he participated in the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776. She wrote, ‘Remember the ladies,” and encouraged him not to place too much power in the hands of husbands across America.
Although John did not always heed her advice, Abigail was a source of valuable opinions on political and social matters throughout their marriage.
Abigail had many duties when John was gone. She was responsible for teaching and raising their children at home, maintaining their farm, and managing their family finances.
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