“…I desire you would remember the ladies… If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.”
Abigail Adams
(November 22, 1744 — October 28, 1818)
One of the most poignant figures in the birth of our country and its freedom is Abigail Adams, a true heroine. She both supported her husband’s work and “held down the fort” at home. She was her husband’s chief adviser and war correspondent while raising four children and managing a farm on a budget. She became an ambassador and “First Lady,” although the term was not used then. The fire in her belly was no less than her husband’s or any other person fighting for independence. She fought for education of women and their right to own property. It is a misnomer to think that only modern women are doing it all because Abigail is one of our earliest feminists and her life’s work laid our country’s foundation, as much as the men who signed our “Declaration of Independence.”
The short list:
- Her husband’s chief adviser and also ran the family farm.
- She was accused of being too outspoken and was called “Mrs. President” during the election of 1800 when her husband, John, ran for president.
- Believed fiercely in education, particularly drawing attention to women’s education.
- Believed the men of congress should “remember the ladies” in the new country’s code of laws, demanding a voice and representation.
Noteworthy American Women Project 