Although girls in colonial America did not usually go to school, Abigail Smith's father encouraged her to learn to read. She was allowed to read anything in his large library. By the time she was an adult, Abigail had read more books than most women of her time.
 In 1764, she married John Adams, a lawyer. John made many long trips on business, so he and Abigail frequently wrote letters to one another. Some of her letters contain information about the events of her time. Many letters offer wise political advice. Abigail Adams' advice and support was very important to her husband during his career and while he was president. She was known as an influential First Lady.
Abigail Adams was opposed to slavery. She also strongly believed that women should have the same rights as men. In her letters, she urges her husband to work for the rights of everyone. Abigail Adams died in 1818, but she is still remembered as one of the first Americans to demand equal rights for women and slaves.
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