9) Abigail Adams
Pros: Though the role of women was severely limited in colonial days, Abigail Adams proves that they weren’t all shrinking violets. During the revolution she gave invaluable council to her husband, and her eloquent letters to him provide one of the most lucid first-hand accounts of life during that tumultuous time. As the first family to live in the White House, Abigail in many ways created the role of First Lady. As an outspoken opponent of slavery and advocate for women’s rights, she was one of the most erudite and politically outspoken women to hold the post before the modern era. The only woman besides Barbara Bush (the elder) who can claim to be both wife and mother to presidents.
Cons: Born at the wrong time.
