Abigail Smith Adams was born in a small town in Massachusetts. Like many girls at the time, Abigail did not receive a formal education. Her mother taught her to read and write, and Abigail read many books from her father's library. As an adult, she believed that girls and women should have more opportunities for education.
Abigail married John Adams in 1764. They had six children, although two died young. In 1768, the family moved to Boston. Tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain were growing, and John became an important leader in the movement for independence. He was chosen to attend the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
While John was away, Abigail managed the family farm, handled money, and cared for and educated their children. The American Revolution also came close to home. From near Boston, Abigail witnessed some of the effects of the fighting and cared for people who became sick during the war.
Abigail and John wrote many letters to each other while they were apart. Her letters described life at home during the American Revolution and shared her opinions about politics and society. In one famous letter, she told John to "Remember the Ladies" as leaders created new laws for the country. She wanted women to have greater rights and opportunities.
When John Adams became president in 1797, Abigail became First Lady. She continued to advise her husband and share her views on important issues. Abigail also opposed slavery and supported a stronger role for women in public life.
