Abigail Fillmore, the wife of 13th President Millard Fillmore, served as First Lady of the United States from 1850 to 1853. A teacher and the first First Lady to hold a job after marriage, Abigail established the first official library in the White House.
Early Life
Abigail Powers Fillmore was born on March 13, 1798, in Stillwater, New York. After her father died, Abigail’s mother moved the family west, hoping that their meager finances would go farther on the frontier. Abigail was educated at home by her mother, who relied on the extensive library left behind by her father. Abigail developed a love of learning that would dominate the rest of her life.
Marriage to Millard Fillmore
Abigail met Millard Fillmore at the age of 19 (he was 21). They were both students at the New York’s New Hope Academy, where Abigail would later work as a teacher.
Abigail and Millard had a long courtship while Millard built his law practice. They were married on February 5, 1826. Abigail continued teaching, making her the first President’s wife to have held a job after marriage. She stopped working upon the birth of their son, Millard Powers Fillmore. The Fillmores would also have a daughter, Mary Abigail Fillmore.
In 1832, the Fillmore family moved to Buffalo, New York. Abigail became a politician’s wife with Millard’s election to the New York Assembly in 1828 and to the House of Representatives in 1832. In 1847, the family relocated to Albany, New York, upon Fillmore’s election as New York’s comptroller.
First Lady of the United States
Abigail became the Second Lady of the United States when her husband was elected Vice President in 1849. With President Zachary Taylor’s death just months later, Millard Fillmore became President, and the couple moved to the White House.
Even after the official mourning ended, the White House social atmosphere remained muted throughout the Fillmore Presidency. Abigail was a gracious host at state dinners and receptions. However, she delegated many of her other hostess duties to her daughter, as a lingering ankle injury made it painful for her to stand for long periods of time.
Abigail focused much of her attention on building the White House library, for which she had been given a special appropriation from Congress. In addition to stocking the library with classic literature, Abigail filled the room with musical instruments, including her piano, harp, and guitar.
Later Life
Abigail and Millard Fillmore’s time together after leaving the White House was short. After attending Franklin Pierce’s inauguration ceremonies in 1853, which were held outdoors, Abigail caught a cold, which developed into pneumonia. She died on March 30, 1853, at the age of 55, just 26 days after her husband left office.
