(13) Abigail Fillmore

Abigail Powers Fillmore

Websites 

First Ladies National Library Biography of Abigail Fillmore

Constitutional Law Reporter: Abigail Powers Fillmore

Papers/letters collections

Manuscripts for: Abigail Fillmore

Library of Congress: Millard Fillmore Papers

Historical sites

Abigail Fillmore Birthplace

Abigail Powers Fillmore Gravesite

Fascinating details

• Abigail Fillmore supported literacy and created the permanent White House reference library.
• Abigail was a schoolteacher and was the first ‘first lady’ to work outside the home after she was married.
• Abigail, like her predecessor Margaret Taylor, did not enjoy participating in social functions, turning to her daughter, Mary Abigail, to fulfill the hostess role of first lady.
• Convinced President Fillmore to put an end to flogging in the US Navy.
• She attempted to influence the president’s decision to veto the Fugitive Slave Act, although President Fillmore did sign the act into law in 1850.