In reference to early United States History, most of the notable figures are men. Although less popular in our history books, many women have contributed greatly to the establishment of our great nation. These women include: Abigail Adams, Martha Jefferson, Martha Washington, and Elizabeth Hamilton.
Abigail Smith Adams
Born in 1744, Abigail Smith was a common woman for the time. She lacked formal education, but descended from the prestigious Quincy family. She was an avid reader, and a born intellectual. It was this very love for education that bonded her with her husband, John Adams. It was indeed a marriage of the mind and the heart.
Her letters to her Husband speak of a woman hurt by war, and deeply involved in the patriotic struggle. She tended the farm while her husband was away. Also, she educated her five children when formal education was interrupted. She was a bit of a superwoman. Her mothering skills show in the success of her children; most notably, John Quincy Adams, the 6 th president. Abigail died in 1818. She is remembered for her patriotism and drive. Not many can say they married a president and gave birth to another.
Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson
When Thomas Jefferson began courting Martha Wayles Skelton, she was already a widow, and heiress, and a mother. The couple was married on New Years Day, 1772, at Martha's plantation home near Williamsburg. Their first child together, Martha, was born in September of that year. During their ten years of marriage, they had five other children. However, sadly, only two of their children lived to grow up. L
The physical strain of labor and birth gravely weakened Martha Jefferson, to the point where her husband abridged his political work in order to stay close to her. He served in the government in Virginia, but refused offers of foreign engagement. By 1781, her physical health condition was dangerous. Her husband noted in his journal on September 6, “My dear wife died this day at 11:45 A.M.” Her death was an emotional event for Thomas Jefferson, and caused him much violent anguish. He was deeply in love with her, and she influenced his life and his career during those ten years of marriage.
Martha Dandridge Cusis Washington
Behind every great man stands a great woman, and in our nation's brief history George Washington is arguably one of the greatest, most notable men to walk this earth.
From the start of their marriage in 1759, Martha Washington's chief concern was the comfort and well-being of her husband and children. When the Revolutionary war broke out, Martha stood behind General Washington bravely. When Washington was elected president, she stood beside him even though she longed for her Virginia home throughout his term.
"Many younger and gayer women would be extremely pleased [in my place, but I would] much rather be at home."
Martha Washington in a letter to her neice
After Washington's reign over the nation, the couple retired to their beloved Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia. George died in 1799, and Martha burned all of their letters to seal a private relationship for good. On May 22, 1802, Martha died of a severe fever. She lay at rest next to her husband in Mount Vernon.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
Born on August 9 th , 1757, Elizabeth Schuyler was a typical aristocrat's daughter. Her father was a Revolutionary War general. She was home schooled.
At age 22 she met Alexander Hamilton, her future husband. She fell deep in love with Hamilton at first sight, and their love remained strong throughout their marriage.
The couple had an up-and-down marriage. They were very much in love and had 8 children together, but their marriage was cursed by scandal and credit problems.
Hamilton was not faithful to Elizabeth. It is noted that he had at least one affair with Maria Reynolds. Nonetheless, marriage was still an unbreakable promise in both of their eyes.
Elizabeth was a very intelligent and respectable woman. Alexander would read his writings to her in search of approval. It is also very likely that she sat in and listened to early drafts of Washington's farewell address.
In 1804, Alexander died in a dual with Aaron Burr. This left Elizabeth to pay of her death. Tragically (but also luckily), her father died four months later, leaving her with an inheritance that paid off the majority of her debt. She pressured Congress to give her a military pension that her husband had waived. Her persuasive ways pushed Congress to eventually give her $30,000 and land.
She lived her life as a widow in virtual poverty compared to her prior years, but she was noted for taking homeless children into her own home, and for doing a variety of charitable work. She died in 1854, and lays rest in the graveyard of Trinity Church in New York City.
Closing Thoughts
Although we spend a lot of time looking at the face of men in our early history, the role of women is equally as important. It is quite clear that these couples worked as one unit. If these men weren't backed up by these very women, they would not have accomplished all they did. The Founding Mothers of our country sacrificed just as much (sometimes more) than their famous husbands. These women NEED be remembered.
Fun Fact
Alexander Hamilton's eldest son Phillip was killed in a dual by an associate of Aaron Burr.
