Abigail was born to William Smith, a minister, and his wife, Elizabeth, in 1744 in Massachusetts. Despite having no access to formal education, she became an avid reader with access to many books through her father and grandfather. Philosophy, government, law, and theology were all subjects she enjoyed and would serve as the foundation for her values and passions. Concerning women’s education, she is known for writing, “If we mean to have Hero Statesmen and Philosophers, we should have learned women.” She strongly opposed slavery and there are several letters to her husband on the subject. She wrote, “I wish...