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Abigail Smith Adams 1744–1818
Born Weymouth, Massachusetts
"Remember the Ladies," Abigail Adams wrote in 1776 to her beloved husband John Adams about the creation of the new federal government, "and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors." In the same letter she remarked on the evils of slavery. Self-educated but remarkably well read and sophisticated, Adams not only raised their children and ran the family's farm and businesses in her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, she also developed a keen interest in political affairs and kept in touch with friends and relations through her prolific correspondence. She served at her husband's side on diplomatic missions in Paris and London and then as his hostess and advisor through the eight years of his vice presidency and single term as president. Adams also advised her son, John Quincy Adams, during his presidency and left an enduring record of women's lives in her posthumously published correspondence.
Unidentified artist
Oil on canvas, c. 1795 |