Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams was born on November 11, 1744. She was John Adams’ wife and closest advisor, as well as the mother of John Quincy Adams. She is sometimes regarded as a founder of the United States and is today known as the second First Lady of the United States, even though this title was not used at the time. She and Barbara Bush are the only two women in American history to have been married to one president and the mother of another. Let us pay tribute to this significant individual right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Abigail Adams

Nickname:

Her Majesty, Mrs. President, Portia

Birth date:

November 11, 1744

Death date:

October 28, 1818 (age 73)

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 6"

Background

Abigail Adams was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts Bay, to William Smith and Elizabeth Smith. She has three brothers and sisters. Her mother homeschooled her because she was sickly as a child. She was able to study English and French literature because her family had a large library. She evolved into an open-minded, well-read young woman with a strong love of books. In 1764, Adams married a country lawyer, John Adams, and they moved to Boston. John Adams was an active participant in the American Revolution and Revolutionary War, in addition to being a busy lawyer. Over the years, the couple had five children. Adams had to handle most of the family obligations, including the family farm, due to her husband’s hectic schedule. Despite being apart for much of the time, the couple wrote letters to each other regularly, keeping continuous and intimate contact.

After the revolution, she traveled to France to join her husband, and then to England, where he served as the first American minister to the Court of St. James from 1785 to 1788. Her husband was extensively entrenched in politics by this time and was appointed Vice President of the United States in 1789. She visited him in New York and assisted First Lady Martha Washington with her duties. She supported her husband’s presidential ambitions and participated in his campaigns. In 1797, John Adams was elected President of the United States, and Adams found herself with new responsibilities as the president’s wife. She had a tremendous effect on the press and the public as First Lady. She was a prominent advocate for married women’s property rights and more opportunities for women. She was an outspoken woman with strong ideas about women’s concerns and civil rights. She also thought slavery was wicked and a threat to American democracy. Despite being one of her husband’s closest confidantes, she and her husband were very strong-willed and did not agree on several political issues.

In 1800, John Adams ran for president again but was defeated by Thomas Jefferson. After John left office in 1801, the couple returned to their family farm. One of her sons, John Quincy Adams, was later elected President of the United States. Her family life was full of tragedies, as her son, Charles, died of drunkenness and her daughter, Nabby, died of cancer right in front of her eyes. Adams’ health deteriorated in her later years, and she died of typhoid fever on October 28, 1818, just two weeks shy of her 74th birthday.

Career timeline

1764
She Gets Married

She marries John Adams on October 25.

1775
She Nurses the Sick

During the Revolutionary War, Adams helps by caring for sick families and relatives with the often fatal typhoid diseases.

1797
She Becomes the First Lady

Her husband is elected president, making her the First Lady, and the second First Lady of the United States.

1800
She Moves into the White House

Adams and her husband move into the completed white house.

1988
She is Honored With an Award

The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus establishes an award in her honor to celebrate female leaders in the state.

2007
She is Honored With a Coin

She is honored with half-ounce $10 gold coins and bronze medal copies.

Why We Love Abigail Adams

  1. She was an advocate for women

    Not only was Abigail Adams a diplomat for her husband, but she also advocated for women's rights. She began campaigning for equal voting rights and property rights during a time when women were not even allowed to receive a basic education. Her thought process was far ahead of its time, and current feminists regard her as one of the first to advocate for fundamental women's rights.

  2. Her contribution to the revolutionary era

    Adams took an active part in the American Revolution, during a time when women were reduced to ordinary housewives meant to serve their husbands. She was the strongest female voice during the American revolutionary era. Adams was noted for her political intellect at the time, and she was also a crucial advisor to her husband. She became the first First Lady to share the White House with her husband.

  3. She was a supportive wife

    Her husband was a very busy man and Adams was left to handle most of the family obligations, including the family farm. Her husband eventually bagged the position of Vice President; to support him, she participated in his campaigns. He was elected President of the United States, and Adams found herself with new responsibilities as the president's wife.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. She exchanged more than a thousand letters

    It is believed that Abigail Adams and her husband exchanged more than 1,100 letters.

  2. She was kinda related to her husband

    Adams and her husband were third cousins who had known each other since they were children.

  3. Mount Adams is named after her

    One of Mount Adams' sub-peaks is also named after her.

  4. The first lady of the White House

    She was the first First Lady to live in the White House.

  5. Her first child was called “Nabby”

    Adams’ first child’s name was nicknamed “Nabby,” as her first name was also Abigail.

Abigail Adams FAQs

How old was Abigail Adams when she married John Adams?

She was 19 years old.

When did Abigail Adams have her first child?

Her first child was born in 1765.

What were Abigail Adams’ last words?

Her last words were, “Do not grieve, my friend, my dearest friend. I am ready to go. And John, it will not be long.”

Abigail Adams’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024November 11Monday
2025November 11Tuesday
2026November 11Wednesday
2027November 11Thursday
2028November 11Saturday

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