Abigail Smith was born in 1744. Her mother's relatives included the powerful Quincy family. Her father was a highly respected Congregational minister.

Abigail was very intelligent. In her day, girls received little formal education, but she was scholarly and well-read. She was a perfect match for the equally intellectual John Adams. Abigail was almost 20 years old when she and John married in 1764, and they remained together for 54 years, until her death in 1818. They had a close partnership, and he often sought advice from her before anyone else, whether it involved the Continental Congress or the presidency. What was the most famous thing about which she is known to have counseled her husband?