Abigail Adams

Profession: 2nd First Lady of the United States

Nationality:

Biography: Abigail Adams was an American woman, best known as wife and advisor to the nation’s second president, John Adams, and the mother of its sixth, John Quincy Adams. As both the first second lady and the second first lady of the United States, she made significant contributions to the nation's early political and cultural life.

Her detailed letters to her husband, in particular, offer a valuable perspective on the American Revolutionary War and the era's political environment, earning her high regard by historians as one of the most influential first ladies.

Born in Massachusetts in 1744, Abigail Adams came from the well-established Quincy family, with connections to other notable figures such as Dorothy Quincy, John Hancock's wife. Despite a lack of formal schooling, she was well educated at home and acquired a love for reading.

In 1764, Abigail Smith wed John Adams, and together they had six children. She managed their household and farm, as well as demonstrating substantial support for John's political endeavors, even during his prolonged absences. Their intellectual partnership is also apparent in the extensive letters they exchanged.

Throughout John Adams's various diplomatic appointments, Abigail managed the family's finances and investments. She joined him abroad in Paris and London, where she cared for Polly Jefferson, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson.

While her husband was president, Abigail Adams embraced the responsibilities of the first lady with vigor, advocating for her husband's measures like the Alien and Sedition Acts. She also distinguished herself as the first occupant of the unfinished White House, which would become an iconic symbol of the presidency.

Once John's presidency ended, Abigail continued to keep a close eye on the nation's politics and maintained correspondences with figures such as Thomas Jefferson. She endured personal tragedy as well, mourning the death of their daughter Nabby.

Her legacy is maintained through statues, memorials, and portrayals in works like the musical 1776 and the HBO series John Adams. She was further honored with a commemorative coin by the United States Mint in 2007.