Abigail Adams
Born November 22, 1744
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Died October 28, 1818
Quincy, Massachusetts
Second First Lady of the United States, women's rights advocate
Abigail Adams, one of the most well-known women of the eighteenth century, was the wife of one United States president and the mother of another. During her husband's long absences from home, she successfully managed her family's affairs and ran their farm. In a new country based on the principles of equality and independence, this American patriot loved and loyally supported her own country and sowed the seeds for the movement to make women full citizens of the United States.
Abigail Adams was born Abigail Smith on November 22, 1744, to William Smith, a Protestant minister, and Elizabeth Quincy Adams. Both were from wealthy, educated New England families. Adams was a shy but stubborn child who suffered several illnesses during her early years. Her strict mother taught Adams to be charitable, and they often went together to bring food and clothing to the area's needy families.
Adams's father loved learning and gave all of his children full run of his large library. There the young girl learned about poetry, history, drama, religion, and political matters. She educated herself and became one of the best-read women of the time.
This is a free page. This page contains 201 words. This
article contains 2,428 words (approx. 8 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Article with our Abigail Adams Access Pass.
