by Jocelyn Rieck

Created on: September 03, 2009

First Lady Abigail Adams

Abigail Smith was born on November 11, 1744 to Congregational minister, Reverend William Smith and his wife Elizabeth Quincy Smith, in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Like many women in her day, Abigail had no formal education she was sharp-witted, intelligent and an avid reader though her spelling and punctuation would be an embarrassment to her throughout her life. As a young girl, she was often in poor health and described as a sickly child. She spent most of her time reading and corresponding with friends. As a young adult, her feminist convictions grew and, though she lacked education herself, she became outspoken about educational opportunities for women, and later, married women's property rights.

In 1759, Abigail met Harvard Law graduate John Adams. Adams was drawn to her strong opinions and obvious intelligence. By 1762, the pair were exchanging long love letters. They were married on October 25, 1764 with Abigail's father presiding over the wedding. Abigail was 19 years old.

The newlyweds began their marriage in a small home in Braintree, Massachusetts but moved shortly after to Boston. Along the way, Abigail gave birth to several children: Abigail called Nabby, John Quincy; Susanne, who died at 14 months old; Charles Thomas and a stillborn daughter.

Abigail spent long periods of time raising her children and running the family home on her own, as John served his country as a delegate to the Continental Congress envoy abroad and elected official und the Constitution. She seemed to thrive with this responsibility and was well-known for being strong and resourceful. During this time, the couple exchanged many long and witty love letters, some of which are still in existence today. These letters show a woman unafraid to offer her husband pointed advice both financial and political and reflect her strong understanding of the response from her fellow New Englanders to legislation and news events of the American Revolution.

From 1783-1788, Abigail had the opportunity to join her husband on diplomatic missions to France and England as well as across much of the United States. While serving overseas in 1787, the Adams' purchased what would be their final home: a large farm in Braintree, Massachusetts known as Peacefield.

During John's Vice Presidency (1789-1797) and, later, Presidency (1797-1801), Abigail spent part of her time at home in Braintree managing the family finances and part of her time in Philadelphia, the capital at that time. She also, briefly, lived in the unfinished White House in the country's brand new capital of Washington, DC from November 1800 until her the end of her husband's presidency in March of 1801. She famously hung her laundry in the East Room, which was still under construction, to dry.

After John lost the presidential election to his friend, Thomas Jefferson, the Adams' retired quietly to Peacefield. There, Abigail remained interested in politics. She and Jefferson renewed their friendship through correspondence though she was never to trust his politics. She remained a rabid anti-Federalist until she died in 1818, just before her 74th birthday. She did not survive long enough to see her son, John Quincy, become president just 6 years later.

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