When Abigail Smith married John Adams in 1764, she probably
wasn't thinking about life in the White House. She was thinking,
however. She displayed a great mind and love for learning,
teaching herself French. She loved to write letters to friends
about liberty. Staying home on John's farm, she considered
herself a farmeress. (Ever heard of that word before?) She wrote
to her husband, John, while he was in serving in the Continental
Congress in Philadelphia. Much of what she had to say made its
way into our founding documents. When John and others were
considering a declaration of independence, Abigail reminded him
to take care of the women, who would not hold themselves bound
by laws in which they had no voice. Later in life, as first
lady, she was called "Mrs. President" for her efforts in shaping
the country.