Have you ever seen the musical 1776? I highly recommend it if you haven’t. It is about the letters written between John Adams and his wife Abigail Adams during the First Continental Congress in 1776. I remember thinking she must have been one strong lady. Since it is Women’s History Month here are some things you may not know about the 2nd First Lady of this country.
Abigail Smith born 11 November 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts
Born Abigail Smith on November 11, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts to a prominent family. Her father was a Reverend with the Congregational Church and her mother came from the prestigious Quincy family. Like most women Abigail had no formal education. Yet, she used the family library and mastered many subjects, even ones most women would not have considered. She also helped her mother tend to the sick and needy.
In 1764, Abigail married John Adams. A Harvard graduate, who was launching a career in law. They both had a love of books and that was what drew them together. They lived on Adams’ farm south of Boston. Early in their marriage they started an extensive correspondence. This is one way we have insights into the social and political climate before and during the Revolutionary War and the early national periods of America’s history.
Abigail managed the farm and business affairs while raising the children.
While John Adams traveled extensively as a lawyer and political revolutionary before the war. He also traveled after the war as a diplomat. While he was gone Abigail managed their farm and business affairs while raising their children. She also helped enhance her family's prosperity during this time. What needs remembered is women at this time had very little property rights and yet she started to refer to the property as hers.
Abigail Smith Adams opposed slavery and supported women’s education rights. Adams wrote in her most famous letter that the Founding Fathers should “remember the ladies.” She added, “Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could.” While not exactly what we would consider a feminist now she was concerned with more protections for women under the new laws being drawn up and of course access to formal education.
Abigail went to Europe. While in Paris and England, she observed the manners of entertaining at court.
In 1784, Abigail went to Paris to be with John. While in Paris and later England she observed the manners of the French and English and their manner of entertaining at the courts and in society. Which came in handy because John Adams was the first Vice President of the United States and Abigail used her knowledge of entertaining to help Martha Washington as First Lady. This knowledge was also used when Abigail became the First Lady. After John lost his re-election bid they went back to their farm, Quincy, where they finally were able to spend time together. She lived another 17 years.
Abigail Adams was outspoken for women in her time. It may not have gotten very far but it is nice to know that she knew women needed a place at the table so to speak. “If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.” What a full, amazing and hard life she lived. She also raised a future President. Though she did not live to see him elected, her son John Quincy Adams also became president.
We can help
If you need any help finding your ancestors, just let us know.
