Abigail Fillmore was the wife of Millard Fillmore, the 14th President of the United States. She was born on March 13, 1798, in Stillwater, New York, and grew up in relative poverty. Despite her humble beginnings, Abigail Fillmore became the first First Lady to work outside of the home while her husband was in office.
Abigail Fillmore was well-educated and had a passion for learning. She taught at the New Hope Academy, which was a school that focused on academic excellence and classical education. She met Millard Fillmore while he was a student at the law office where she worked, and the two were married in 1826.
As First Lady, Abigail Fillmore worked to create a library in the White House, as she believed that a strong democracy required a well-informed citizenry. She was an avid reader and believed that access to books was essential for people to become informed and engaged citizens. She was instrumental in the creation of the White House library.
Abigail Fillmore’s legacy as the first working First Lady and her dedication to education and literacy still resonate today. Her commitment to providing access to books and knowledge for all was ahead of its time, and she remains an important figure in American history.
References:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abigail-Fillmore
http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=14
