Abigail Adams: The Reluctant First Lady Who Could Do It All

While her husband, John Adams, drafted the Declaration of Independence, Abigail Adams (1744-1818) was the reluctant First Lady who could do it all. One of the first things she did was write a reminder for him:

“…[R]emember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors… If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are determined to foment a Rebellion…”

Abigail Adams, as one of the earliest voices for gender equality in America, began by opposing laws that granted husbands’ unchecked power over their wives and families. She stressed the need for greater legal protection and autonomy for women. While her husband thought she was a brilliant stateswoman, she had no desire to be one, preferring to manage the affairs of the family’s small farm in Quincy. Abigail handled their business affairs, finances, and investment decisions, as well as tenants, property issues, and contracts, during wartime conditions.

Besides her business responsibilities, Abigail gave birth to six children, most of them close together. She was not lucky. One daughter was stillborn, and another died before reaching two years. Two sons survived to adulthood: one became the sixth president of the U.S., and the other was a lawyer and public servant. Another son struggled with alcoholism and died when thirty. Her first daughter lived, but also led a troubled life because of her husband’s financial schemes

Although Adams had no formal schooling, she educated herself by immersing herself in her family library. She believed in justice and moral responsibility, such as opposing slavery and supporting abolition. She argued women deserved representation, autonomy, and protection under the law.

Her prolific letter writing provides a treasure trove for historians.