Informational

In fifth grade we learn about the colonies in social studies. In writing we get to choose any topic within Colonial America that we are interested in learning more about. Then we research and share our knowledge through writing. Below is a great example!

Abigail Adams

by JC

Introduction

Have you ever thought about what is was like to live in Colonial times or be first lady? Well, Abigail Adams has done both of those things and more. Imagine living during the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Read to find out about other historical events Abigail witnessed and when they happened. In this report, you will learn about Abigail Adams’ famous quotes, travel back to her childhood, and more!

Childhood

Abigail Adams (Maiden name: Abigail Smith) was a very happy child, though she was often sick throughout her lifetime. Abigail was born on November 11, 1744 (in Weymouth, Massachusetts), and she died on October 28, 1818 (in Quincy, Massachusetts). She was 73 years old and lived in Braintree, Massachusetts. Abigail had two sisters and one brother. Abigail’s sister, Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody was born in 1750 and died in 1815. Abigail outlived her sister by about three years. Abigail’s other sister, Mary Smith Cranch, died in 1811.

Abigail loved to read just like her father, and read more than most girls in the 18th century. Since she didn't go to school, she taught herself science and politics by reading. Her parents taught her basic math and literacy skills as did all parents at that time. Abigail’s father, William Smith loved to read and inspired his children, both boys and girls, to love it as well. He was a minister of the first congressional church. William enjoyed being with his kids, and he was also a farmer. At 11 years old, Abigail and her sisters got tutored by Richard Cranch, from England, to further their education. The children were taught, social etiquette, more reading and writing, music, and art. Later, Richard married Mary, Abigail's older sister.

Abigail’s mother, Elizabeth Quincy Smith, was strict unlike Abigail’s father who was more lenient. Elizabeth’s father, John Quincy, was often helping and active in colonial government. Elizabeth's father also was a speaker of the Massachusetts Assembly for 40 years!

Adulthood: Remember the ladies letter

Richard Cranch’s lawyer friend, John Adams met Abigail when she was 17 and fell in love with her. After a long engagement which her parents insisted on, Abigail married John at 19 and John was 28. Abigail married John Adams on October 25, 1764. John was a lawyer, and while at work, Abigail stayed home and cared for their 5 children: John Quincy, Susanna, Charles, Thomas, and Abigail Nabby.

During this time the government was changing. The colonists were trying to be loyal to England, but at the same time refusing to pay taxes without representation. Rumors began to spread about the British troops coming to Boston. This make me think about how scared people must have been when rumors were being spread about the British.

Leaders like John Adams thought that armed opposition would separate Boston from the other colonies. During the next few months, Abigail suffered from migraines and chronic insomnia. At the same time she was having a difficult pregnancy. Susanna was born near the end of 1768, but only lived for a year. Only 4 months after Susanna’s passing, Abigail gave birth to their son, Charles.

Abigail was very outspoken when it came to women's rights and civil rights. Abigail

believed that everyone should be treated equally and helped her husband during his presidency

by doing many things such as telling him to remember the ladies. This was one of her quotes

from a letter she sent to John Adams; “And, by the way, in the New Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors … Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular 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

Though some men thought women should have equal rights, many men in the 18th century thought women shouldn’t be able to do many occupations that men were able to do. For example voting, going to school, or having jobs. Abigail was not afraid to voice her political opinions in writing. I wonder why more women didn’t write about their political opinions. In 1793, her husband John Adams was running for presidency against Thomas Jefferson. She wrote letters to both of them making sure that they would be including women in their decisions. Also, she ensured they would be respectful to people of other races and stop slavery. Abigail protested against slavery and sexisim through her letters.

Many major milestones for American history happened during her lifetime. To begin with, in 1775, the American Revolution began. Next in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. The American Revolution ended in 1783. And did you know that the first copper penny was coined in 1792? Finally, John Adams was elected the second president of the United States in 1797. Abigail Adams witnessed a lot of American history.

Accomplishments

Abigail Adams was second first lady in 1797 and mother of the 6th president. She was one of the the only two women that was a mother and wife of a president. The other was Barbara Bush. As first lady Abigail met with visitors and hosted dinner parties for important people. John Adams relied on Abigail's judgement to help him run the country. Abigail was the first First lady to live in the White House. Not the White House as we know it today, but the first white house.

Abigail was included in the National Women's hall of fame in 1976.

Abigail Adams also has a school named after her located on 89 Middle street, Weymouth Massachusetts. It is in the Weymouth school district and is still around today.

As well as have a school named after her and being first lady, Abigail had many nicknames such as, Her Majesty, Mrs. President, and Miss. Adorable.

Abigail had many quotes other then her most famous one, Remember the Ladies. Some quotes were, “learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought ardor and attended with diligence.” meaning; learning is something one desires and has worked for, it must be searched for with passion and attended with persistent work and effort. Another quote is, “ I am more convinced that a man is a dangerous creature and that power, whether vested in many more or a few, is ever grasping, and like a grave it, cries,’give, give’.” Meaning; I am more convinced that a man is a dangerous creature and that power, whether secured in the possession of or assigned by ownership in many more or a few, is ever grasping, and like a grave it, cries, give,give. Her last quote and words were, “Do not grieve, my friend, my dearest friend. I am ready to go. And John, it will not be long.” Abigail was buried in the United First Parish in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Conclusion

If Abigail Adams didn’t do the things she did like, write letters, pursue education, and become a first lady, women might not have as many rights as they do now. Also, Abigail had the confidence and the determination to stand up and speak out against things she thought was unfair. Abigail cared about people and she wanted to make things fair and what she did has affected the United States in a very positive way. The letter that most affected me, and I hope it affected you, was this quote: “And, by the way, in the New Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors … Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular 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

I wonder if Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was inspired by Abigail just like me.

Sources:

Glossary

Literacy: The ability to read and write, Noun

Minister: The superior of some religious orders, Noun

Etiquette: The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group, Noun

Lenient: Merciful or tolerant, Adjective

Opposition: A rival political party, Noun

Chronic:Having an illness constantly recurring or persisting, Adjective

Insomnia: Inability to sleep, Noun

Outspoken: Frank in stating one's opinion Adjective

Tyrants: A person exercising power in a cruel, unreasonably,or arbitrarily way, Noun

Attained: Succeed in achieving Verb

Ardor: Enthusiasm or passion Noun

Diligence: Careful and persistent work or effort Noun

Grieve : Cause of great distress Verb