Abigail Adams

A sturdy, trustworthy, intelligent helpmeet. 

Those are the words I would use to describe Abigail Smith Adams. She was a woman who stood by her husband, had to take up the duties of a farm and four young children as well as deal with personal tragedies in the second decade of her marriage to John Adams. She loved him with an undying affection and referred to him in her letters as her "Dear Friend." She was his best and truest counselor and encourager. She understood him and was a comfort to him, yet she never pampered, babied or molly coddled him, but called for him to be the best man he could be. Much of the middle years of their marriage were spent apart from one another with Adams in Philadelphia or Paris or even Holland. She bore it well and consoled herself with letters and pressed on even when she'd barely heard two words from in months. 

Although I am not completely sure of her salvation, she openly confessed a devotion to God and held high Biblical principles. Such women of her character were abounding during the beginnings of our country. Such women of character are called for now in our country.

I believe Nature has assigned each sex its particular duties and sphere of action. And to act well your part, there all the honor lies.

~Abigail Adams~