ABIGAIL SMITH ADAMS
wife of John Adams 1797-1801

Like other women of the time, Abigail lacked formal education, but her curiosity spurred her keen intelligence. She was an avid reader. Reading created a bond between her and young John Adams, a Harvard graduate, and they were married in 1764.

They lived on a farm. She stayed home and looked after the children, while he traveled as a circuit judge. She wrote to him, "Alas, how many snow banks divide thee and me?" As wife of the first Vice-President, Abigail became a good friend of Martha Washington.

 She leaves her country a most remarkable record as patriot and First Lady, wife of one President and mother of another.

description by Doris Karren Burton    << previous first lady  |  next first lady >>