Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, on November 11, 1744, Abigail Adams was nine years younger than John Adams. The daughter of the Reverend William Smith, she was raised in an intellectually stimulating environment. Though not formally educated she was knowledgeable of the classics and literature, and would leave over 2,000 letters describing her ideas and life.

They would be separated by revolution and political assignments for much of their married life. In John's absence Abigail managed the family's financial affairs through wartime shortages and inflation, and educated their children when formal education was interrupted.

She traveled with her husband for the signing of the Treaty of Paris, and during his diplomatic posting as the first ambassador to England. She would later advise Mary Washington on the protocols of foreign capitols, and by age 14 their son, future President John Quincy Adams, was able to serve as a diplomatic translator.