Jan 20

Jan 20 The Pain of First Daughter Nabby Adams

Abigail Adams Smith was the daughter of President John Adams who went through some seriously trying times.

Abigail Amelia Adams Smith

Born Abigail Amelia Adams, and better known as Nabby, the oldest daughter of John and Abigail Adams led a fascinating life.

As a teenager, she fell in love with Royall Tyler, a young man who (among other things) would become an influential playwright.

Though hesitant at first, he parents finally consented to the marriage.

Europe

Before a wedding could take place, Nabby traveled with her mother to join her father and brother in Europe.

Adams was fortunate among Massachusetts born women when she was given the chance to see the Netherlands and Great Britain, though not until America had won its independence.

During her extended time abroad, her relationship with Tyler could not handle the distance and came to an end.

Central New York

Upon her return to the United States, Adams married one of her father’s secretaries, William Stephens Smith, and relocated to Central New York.

Abigail gave birth to four children and though she had a loving family William lost his money (as so many did) speculating on land.

When her father became the second President of the United States, Nabby was the first person to be the ‘First Daughter’ though she had little to do with the Adams Administration.

Cancer

Sadly, Nabby was diagnosed with breast cancer and was forced to undergo a mastectomy.

At a time before anesthesia, she impressed everyone present by not crying out while suffering through a horrifying procedure.

After a lengthy recovery, Nabby attempted to return home.

Sadly, the following year she noticed the tumors had returned and moved to her parents house where she passed away in 1813.

If you’d like to read about some of Nabby’s siblings, check out these articles.

The Death of a President’s Son - Charles Adams’ Alcoholism

John Quincy Adams’ Role in the American Founding

Want to learn more about the Adams Family?

‘Abigail and John’ focuses on the relationship of Nabby’s parents but of course includes information on the whole family.

If you’d like a copy for your very own you can through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).