ABIGAIL SMITH ADAMS
In 12 years, she gave birth to six children:
- Abigail ("Nabby"; 1765–1813)
- John Quincy Adams (1767–1848)
- Grace Susanna ("Susanna", nicknamed "Suky")[10] (1768–1770)
- Charles (1770–1800)
- Thomas Boylston Adams (1772–1832)
- Elizabeth (stillborn in 1777)[11]
John Adams was inaugurated as the second President of the United States on March 4, 1797, in Philadelphia. Abigail was not present at her husband's inauguration as she was tending to his dying mother.] When John was elected President of the United States, Abigail continued a formal pattern of entertaining. She held a large dinner each week, made frequent public appearances, and provided for entertainment for the city of Philadelphia each Fourth of July.
She took an active role in politics and policy, unlike the quiet presence of Martha Washington. She was so politically active, her political opponents came to refer to her as "Mrs. President". As John's confidant, Abigail was often well informed on issues facing her husband's administration, at times including details of current events not yet known to the public in letters to her sister Mary and her son John Quincy. Some people used Abigail to contact the president. At times Abigail planted favorable stories about her husband in the press. Abigail remained a staunch supporter of her husband's political career, supporting his policies, such as passing the Alien and Sedition Acts.
With the relocation of the capital to Washington, D.C., in 1800, she became the first First Lady to reside at the White House, or President's House as it was then known. Adams moved into the White House in November 1800, living there for only the last four months of her husband's term.
Although she followed her son's political career earnestly she did not live to see him become the 6th President. She died in her home on October 28, 1818, of typhoid fever. She is buried beside her husband and near their son John Quincy in a crypt located in the United First Parish Church (also known as the "Church of the Presidents") in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was 73 years old, exactly two weeks shy of her 74th birthday. Her last words were, "Do not grieve, my friend, my dearest friend. I am ready to go. And John, it will not be long."
3 comments:
This was a very interesting post. Thanks for the wonderful history lesson.
Very interesting info on our 2nd 1st lady!
I think they could have chosen a nicer image for that coin!
first ladies, often overlooked, strong and supportive woman. i never talk politics but i did like what biden said about our new first lady. i thought it was very sweet!!
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