Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams, the devoted and stalwart wife of John Adams, was born in November 1744, and left this world October 28, 1818 from typhoid fever. She was self-educated and an avid letter-writer validated by the multitudes of letters she wrote to her beloved John.

Abigail was a force in her time. She advocated for married women's property rights, and better opportunities for women especially in education. Abigail believed slavery was an evil institution and spoke openly against it.

When John was elected President of the United States, Abigail was the first lady to live in the White House, or the President's House. She and John were Unitarian Christian and are buried side by side in a crypt in the United First Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts, also known as The Church of the Presidents. 

Here are some of her most famous quotes.

"When will Mankind be convinced that true Religion is from the Heart, between Man and his creator, and not the imposition of Man or creeds and tests?"

“I hate to complain...No one is without difficulties, whether in high or low life, and every person knows best where their own shoe pinches.” 

“I've always felt that a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting points of view he can entertain simultaneously on the same topic.” 

“Remember the Ladies.” 

“Great necessities call out great virtues.” 

“A people fired ... with love of their country and of liberty, a zeal for the public good, and a noble emulation of glory, will not be disheartened or dispirited by a succession of unfortunate events. But like them, may we learn by defeat the power of becoming invincible.”

“I need a sitting room where I can entertain my friends, but I must have a library where my books entertain me.” 

Rita Gerlach writes historical romances and historical dramas set in both Colonial America and Georgian England. You can visit her site at http://ritagerlach.blogspot.com