American History

Aside from being the wife of second American President John Adams and being the mother of another president in the person of Honorable John Quincy Adams, Abigail Adams is a lot more than a first lady, wife and mother. During her lifetime, she was also a writer, a teacher, a cook, a businesswoman, and a supporter of womens rights. Her lifetime was events-filled as she saw American Revolution unfold before her. Abigail Adams lived her life productively as an exemplary figure, in fact, her biography was a popular read for a century and a half (Gelles, xv).

Abigail Adams was actually born during the eleventh day of November year 1744 but since the revision of the calendar in 1752, her birthday has been observed every 22nd of November (Adams Biographical Sketches). It was at the small rural town of Weymouth Massachusetts where she was born by her parents, William Smith and Elizabeth Quincy. She was their second child. Her elder sister named Mary Smith Cranch was born three years earlier than her while William Smith followed her two years after. The youngest, Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, was born in 1750 (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams).

William Smith and Elizabeth Quincy were married in 1740. He was a Pastor at North Parish Congregational Church at Weymouth and as a religious man, he taught Abigail to respect God and to help others in any way she could (Abigail Adams Biography). William came from a family of merchants and ship captains. Being a Harvard University Graduate (Marsh, 2), he is known as one of the best educated and most prosperous citizens of the community (Abigail Adams Biography).

On the other hand, Elizabeth Quincy was a plain housewife attending to the needs of the family. Elizabeth had a politician father named John Quincy (Gelles, 3). He was for forty years, Speaker of Massachusetts Assembly. It was said that Abigails interest in government and public service was from his grandfather (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams). Elizabeth is known for sharing blessing with the needy. Along with her daughter, Abigail, they give food and clothing to poor families (Abigail Adams Biography).

Even if the Smith family lives a comfortable life with house helper to do the routine chores, Elizabeth did not let her children to just sit and play. All her daughters were taught of house chores such as cooking, cleaning, sewing and knitting. They had a small farm as well were Abigail was taught how to plant vegetables and feed chickens.

During Abigails childhood, formal education is for boys only. Like other girls, Abigail was educated at home along with her sisters. She regretted the idea and thought Thats not fair (Mulhall, 4) especially on the idea that his only brother, get to be at school at Harvard University like their father. It was her grandmother who was leaving at Mount Wollaston who taught her. Aside from that, his father has a wide array of books at home which helped her be knowledgeable. Shakespeare is her favorite and she even memorizes his work (Marsh, 2). She was also interested with philosophy, theology and ancient history (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams).

Being a sickly child was also one of the reasons why Abigail was not allowed to have formal education (Marsh, 1). Most of her time is just spent reading. Abigail loved to read (Mulhall, 5). She did not play cards, sing or dance. (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams)

The childhood years of Abigail fell during the period when Massachusetts was one of the British colonies in America. As stated earlier, having a grandfather who was involved in politics inspired her. She joins in conversations regarding politics and current events (Marsh, 3). Whenever they have visitors at home, Abigail listened and was not afraid to ask questions (Mulhall, 4). All these things equipped with her quest for knowledge led her to be a wise woman.

Abigail wanted a husband who was her intellectual equal and one who would appreciate her accomplishments. (Abigail Adams Biography). This sure was true since the passion for reading created the bond between Abigail and future husband, John Adams (Abigail Smith Adams).  It was the summer of 1759 when Abigail met John, who was then a 24 year old lawyer. John finished the study of law in 1755 at Harvard University and was planning to practice law in the village of Braintree of Massachusetts (Butterfield et.al,3). At Abigails residence, they met. She was then a fifteen years old young woman and Johns impression on him was not fond, not frank, not candid (Hogan, The Romance of John and Abigail Adams).  It was a lengthy courtship full of love letters as expression of the development of their feelings for each other and their compatibility of intelligence (Gelles, 3). Below is an excerpt of Johns letter to Abigail in 1762 taken in the article written by Hogan.

Miss Adorable, By the same Token that the Bearer hereof satt up with you last night
I hereby order you to give him, as many Kisses, and as many Hours of your Company
after 9 O Clock as he shall please to Demand and charge them to my Account.

On the eve of their marriage and they were separated by distance, John Adams put into a letter the yearning he was feeling for the presence of her future wife. He describes his emotion using analogy of being sick in mind and according to him it was only Abigails presence which can (excerpt from Butterfield et.al,4)

always softened and warmed my Heart, shall restore my Benevolence
You shall polish and refine my sentiments of Life and Manners,
banish all the unsocial and  ill natured Particles in my Composition,
and form me to that happy Temper, that can reconcile a quick Discernment with perfect
Candour.

After few more exchange of letters, the two got married on October 25, 1764. The exchange of vows was presided by the father or Abigail at their residence in Weymouth. A horse driven carriage brought them to their very first home right after the ceremony (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams). This house in Braintree was inherited by John Adams from his father in and is at present time, part of the National Park Service.

According to Adams Biographical Sketches, Their first child was born a year after their marriage. Abigail Amelia Adams or Nabby as she was often called was their first born. At the age of eighteen, she married a certain Col. William Smith of New York. Their son, John Quincy was born in 1767. He became the 6th American President making Abigail, the First Mother.  Susanna Adams was born a year after but did not spend too much time as she died early in 1770. Their second son was born that same year. He was named Charles Adams. He followed the footsteps of his father, John, by pursuing law. He was married to the Sarah Smith, sister of his brother in law William. Their youngest, Thomas Boylston Adams was born in 1772 and like Charles, he pursued law and was even appointed chief justice. In total, they had three sons and two daughters.

The early years of the marriage of John and Abigail were spent geographically separated. John most of the time stayed at Boston to practice law where his career grew and was even fortunate to join court circuits. In 1768, the family transferred to Boston where John was staying, however, his job of going from one place to another still kept distance in between them (Abigail Adams Biography). He would be often away for a very long time missing to see as events unfold in their family especially the growth years of their children. Yet, Abigail kept her husband updated of everyday living via writing. This is most likely the time when Abigail took the pen name, Portia. In real life, Portia is the Roman wife of the great statesman Brutus. It suited her well because they were almost in the same boat. The imagery of wisdom, erudition, and humanity implicit in Portia satisfied her self-image. (Gelles, xviii).

But this situation did not stop Abigail in performing her duties as wife and mother. Like any other wife, she took charge of planning the budget of the finances, taking care of the children and keeping the house orderly. The distance in between them, made the letters continue in process of keeping constant communication. Most of the letters written by Abigail for her husband started with Dearest Friend, (Wheeler, 10). In 1773, she wrote her husband Alas How many snow banks divide thee and me (Abigail Smith Adams).

According to Gelles, the writing style of Abigail was spontaneous and unselfconscious in her rush of writing (Gelles, xvii). Despite this, in the course of the exchange of hundreds of letters in between the couple, there was a time John recognized the great potential of Abigail as a writer. He commented, My wife must write (Gelles, xvii).

Abigail, in the absence of John, also learned how to farm. She has well applied what she learned during her childhood as a farmer, cook, sewer and other things in her married life. She was a stay at home but it did not stop her from being productive and she was in fact, enjoying her career as Mrs. Abigail Adams. To prove, in 1176, Abigail included in her letter, I hope in time to have the reputation of being as good Farmeress as my partner has of being a good Statesman. (Excerpt from Butterfield et.al,5). In return, husband John Adams was delighted to observe the efforts Abigail puts into their family. He wrote, I am very happy to learn that you have done such great Things in the Way of paying Debts. and  I know not what would become of me, and mine, if I had not such a Friend to take Care of my Interests in my Absence. (Excerpt from Butterfield et.al, 5).
The wife of John Adams was very supportive of his political career. In fact, she does not merely give moral aid by uplifting the spirit of her husband. Her letters are not just filled with the development of their children, their farm neither how she divides their finances appropriately. Just like when she was a child, she tries to engage in discussion about politics and current events. Even if John was away drafting the Constitution in 1776, with her political upbringing, Abigail tries to involve herself with serving the nation. She wrote John (Excerpt from Hall, 2008)

In the new Code of Laws, which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make,
 I desire you would Remember the Ladies and be more generous and favorable
 to them than your ancestors.

Going back to Abigails childhood, she herself experienced not being educated in formal school because of the traditional thinking that it is meant for men alone. Until her adulthood, she still carries the same belief that education is something that should be savored by all. She wants women not just to be respected but have high regard upon them because women also help to be successful. According to her, by tending the fields, managing the farm, and supporting the militia and doing other jobs, made possible the U.S. military victory. (Abigail Adams Biography)

Another ideal in life of Abigail is everyones freedom. She wants not just independence per se but equality among all. She wrote to her husband (Excerpt from Abigail Adams Biography)

I wish most sincerely that there was not a slave in the province. It always seemed
 to me to fight ourselves for what we are robbing the Negroes (African- Americans) of,
 who have as good a right to freedom as we have.

It was not of knowledge to Abigail that she has inspired many with her ideals in life. Her progressive ideas would inspire many first ladies, especially the suffragists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (Keener, How the First Lady Works). Even her husband, John, is awed by her beliefs in life that he always sees to it that he listens to her. Once, he wrote her wife, I want to hear you think or see your thoughts. (Abigail Adams Biography) Moreover, Former President Harry Truman was also inspired by Abigail and commented would have been a better President than her husband. (People)
Based on the official site of The White House, in 1788, after accompanying John Adams for three years as he performs the role of First United States Minister to Great Britain, they returned to their home at Braintree, Massachusetts which is now more known as Quincy. American Revolution ended and United States now needed a President. The career of John Adams continued to spur as he took in Vice Presidency on April 12, 1789 under first US President George Washington. During this time, Abigail was of aid to a new found friend in the character of Mrs. Martha Washington. Together, they help each other in the responsibilities of official entertaining. However, this did not last for a long time because in 1791, she was of poor health. Her husband had another term as Vice President which lasted until 1797.

All the learning Abigail gained from Mrs. Martha Washington in hosting parties was put into use when her husband was elected President on 1797. At this time, Abigail was taking care of the dying mother of John so she was not present on the day of her husbands inauguration. Yet, the thought of the life changing event was on her mind, she was in deep thinking of a sense of the obligations, the important trusts, and numerous duties connected with it. (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams). She knows so well that being the first lady meant more than being just a hostess of the country. When Abigail was the first lady, first lady was the ultimate icon of style, values and social graces. (Keener, How the First Lady Works). Since then,
she was coined as Lady Adams (John Adams,1st US Vice President).

Abigail Adams has a different taste for fashion. During her husbands term for Presidency, she attempted to change the clothing trend, believing that the more revealing Napoleonic-style clothing then popular were too indecorous. (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams). In the picture below, it can be observed that she is wearing a lace cap because according to her, it is improper to be painted, bareheaded. (Bonnie, 2009).

According to White House history website, when Washington was the President, White House was still inexistent and nothing but a plan and a starting construction. The earliest drawing of the White House is by James Hoban in 1792. The spot where the Palace would be located was chosen by Washington but he was not able to reside in it since it was only ready for occupancy in 1800. Thus, President then John Adams was not able to stay in it in the entirety of his term. (Building the White House).

More information from White House history website, White House was already finished when viewed from the outside. But when, Adams Family moved in November 2, 1800, the palace was still unfinished in its interior. Plaster walls were still wet and the grand staircase is still to be built. Abigail took advantage that East Room was still unfinished. She had a clothesline built and used the spacious room in hanging the familys clothes. According to her, presidents laundry should not be hung to dry outside on the lawn for everyone to see.

On the second day of being at the White House, John Adams wrote to her wife

I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and on all that
 hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof

As seen in the picture below, this blessing of John Adams was carved in the State Dining Room mantel in 1945.

The first family did not stay long inside the White House since his presidency ended in 1801. At their attempt of having another term, John Adams lost against President Thomas Jefferson. Since this time, the family went back to their home at Quincy, Massachussetts. (John Adams,1st US Vice President). Her remaining life was spent in their home engaging with the company of her children and grandchildren who would often visit. She raised granddaughter Susanna Adams, daughter of Charles. Aside from that, Abigail spent her time supporting her son John Quincy whose career has been continually growing. Like what she did with her husband, she gives advice regarding public service (Abigail Adams Biography).

At the age of 73, Abigail Adams died of typhoid fever on October 28, 1818 at their home. John Adams felt he wanted to die beside her at that time too. Her body was buried at the National Cathedral in Washington but her life remains an inspiration to many individuals (First Lady Biography Abigail Adams).