“Though I have been called to sacrifice to my Country, I can glory in my sacrifice and derive pleasure from my intimate connection with one who is estimated worthy of the important trust developed upon him.”
Abigail Adams
Abigail Smith Adams
Years of service: 1797-1801
Born: 1744
Years of service: 1797-1801
Born: 1744
As their letters attest, it was no secret that John Adams relied on Abigail's astute political insight. Even then, he chose to ignore her insistence on gender equality. She raised her children and managed the farm single-handedly during John’s lengthy absences as a Founding Father. She struggled to suppress her opinions from unwelcome public scrutiny. Abigail did not take kindly to attacks on John's presidency and felt imprisoned in the White House. Though John’s political retirement caused her bitterness, it also meant no more painful separations between them. Ultimately, this brought her lasting contentment. She is the first First Lady to be the wife of a president and a mother to another.
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