Abigail Adams played many different roles throughout her lifetime: devout Puritan, persevering feminist, adoring wife, devoted mother, influential political adviser, First Lady, and American. She was opinionated, very well-read (especially for a woman of her time), and extremely supportive of her husband and children. Abigail was a strong believer in the American cause and sacrificed years of her marriage for it, as well as years with her eldest son. She encouraged political activism and education.
Abigail Adams was born Abigail Smith on November 11, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts. She was the second child of Elizabeth Quincy Smith and Reverend William Smith. Her older sister, Mary, was born in 1741 and they would remain close friends throughout their lives. Abigail also had a younger brother, William, born in 1746, and a younger sister, Elizabeth, born in 1750. Abigail's parents were very popular and well-respected in their town of 2,000. Rev. William Smith was born in Boston and educated at Harvard. …
