Episode 44: Massachusetts: 1,100 Strongly-Worded Letters with Kaben Kramer
Oct 22, 2021
In this episode, Sharon tells Kaben Kramer about the best letter-writer of all time, Abigail Adams. Born and raised in the great state of Massachusetts, Abigail wrote over 1,100 letters to her husband, President John Adams, throughout his political career. Her words packed a punch, and her letters frequently persuaded her husband to advocate for women’s rights and condemn slavery on the floors of our new nation’s Congress. Abigail was a trusted wife, loving mother, charitable educator, smallpox inculcator, ammunition maker, and at times, she was referred to as “Mrs. President.” Join Sharon and Kaben as they discuss the incredible life and legacy of Abigail Adams.
Links to Full Episode:
This Episode Will Teach You:
- The love story of John and Abigail Adams
- Why Abigail’s parents did not want her to marry John Adams
- Why Abigail is considered one of the best letter writers in history
- How Abigail advocated for women and human rights
- How Abigail helped soldiers during the Revolutionary War
- How Abigail prevented her children from dying of smallpox
- Tragedies in Abigail’s life
- Abigail’s experience at the White House
- Why she was referred to as Mrs. President
3 Biggest Takeaways:
- Abigail Adams was born in 1744 in Massachusetts. With access to many libraries because of her father’s high status, she was known as a voracious reader and fantastic writer. She later married John Adams, who - at the time - was a country lawyer. The couple moved to Boston where they became deeply entrenched in politics and supporters of the revolution. As politics pulled John Adams away from the house, Abigail and John exchanged over 1,100 letters. Abigail is considered one of the best letter writers in history.
- Within Abigail's letters she encouraged John to stand up for their shared belief that slavery was wrong, and she also advocated for women’s rights. Abigail was extremely compassionate. She frequently took care of others’ children and enrolled a young black man in school after teaching him to read. As well, during the Revolutionary War, she housed American soldiers and melted down her silverware to provide them with ammunition.
- When John Adams became president, Abigail used her vast political knowledge to address citizens’ questions and concerns. Her expertise earned her the nickname, “Mrs. President.” Abigail and John also endured their fair share of tragedy, losing four of their six children. Four of her six children survived to adulthood, and two children passed tragically as adults. One of her surviving sons, John Quincy Adams, became president after she passed away, making her only one of two women who have been a wife and a mother to U.S presidents.
About the Guest:
Kaben Kramer is a fourth-generation farmer from Northern California. Kaben and his family live on and tend to a 60-acre walnut farm. Their brand and business, Tenderly Rooted, ships handcrafted walnuts and company merchandise nationwide.
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