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To Abigail Fillmore, acquiring knowledge was a hobby. She treasured books on every topic. This First Lady also dabbled in flower gardening. However, reading was her favorite activity.
Abigail Powers was born in New York State in 1798, to a notable Baptist minister. Her father died shortly after her birth.
After Abigail's father died, Mrs. Powers decided to move Abigail and her brother westward, thinking the area offered improved educational opportunities.
When Abigail Powers reached the age of twenty-one years old, she met Millard Fillmore who was merely nineteen. At that time Millard was a clothier's apprentice.
A courtship soon evolved into a Godsend. Both Abigail and Millard had a love for books. Millard was quite the ambitious one, while Abigail had completed her education. In fact, she was teaching school.
The bond formed between Millard Fillmore and Abigail Powers transformed into true love. Both wanted to be married. However, obstacles appeared, demanding that the marriage be delayed. Millard Fillmore was in law school, and he was struggling financially.
In 1823, Fillmore was admitted to the Bar. He immediately began practicing law, but continued to find it difficult to make ends meet on such a meager income. When the marriage began, this young couple started life in a small house built by Millard Fillmore's very own hands.
It seemed for a long time that they were struggling aimlessly because funds were very limited. However, Abigail Fillmore did her fair share, by recommencing to teach school.
In 1828, Millard Powers was born. He was the only son of Abigail and Millard Fillmore.
In 1829, Millard Fillmore became counsellor to the Supreme Court, while his loyal wife, Abigail, stood by his side. She consistently lifted his spirits higher and higher.
Eventually, Abigail’s husband prospered. Millard Fillmore moved his family into a beautiful six-room house in Buffalo, New York. It was in this lovely dwelling that a beautiful daughter was born, in 1832. The Fillmore's named her Mary Abigail, but she was to be called, "Abby".
Although life grew busy, the marriage was a happy one. Abigail Fillmore remained the loving and loyal wife, who constantly stood by her husband's side. She was happy that he'd made the decision to form a partnership with Nathan K. Hall. The two men progressed substantially in the practice. Thereafter, Abigail Fillmore began enjoying life as the wife of a Congressman.
In 1849, Mrs. Fillmore continued being an inspiration to her husband. It was partly because of her tender and respecting attitude that Millard Fillmore excelled over and over again.
Abigail Fillmore reaped benefits galore when she became the wife of the Vice President of the United States of America. She was thrilled with the cultural aspect of it, and she enjoyed being the wife of this dynamic man, now in the limelight of humanity.
Sixteen months later, President Zachary Taylor died. It was at this time that Abigail Fillmore became the First Lady, and then moved into the White House with her husband, President Millard Fillmore.
Mrs. Fillmore’s personality overflowed with culture and studious traits. She frequently enjoyed utilizing her characteristics for just causes.
Abigail Fillmore suggested the White House needed a library. After she confronted the President with her thoughts on this subject, he suggested to Congress that books be made a part of the furniture. Thereafter, books were placed into the Executive Mansion.
The First Lady’s work began. She created a warm and livable atmosphere in the Library. When she realized that new carpet had been placed over the old carpet in the Blue Room, she saw to it that the old carpet was moved from the Blue Room to the Library. She collected comfortable chairs throughout the White House, and then added them to the Library.
Because of the warmth from the fire, and the cozy feelings offered by the chairs, the Library became the Fillmore's favorite room. Many evenings were spent in this room.
It was in the Library that music was enjoyed from Abby's instruments--the harp, guitar and piano.
Though her health was not good, Mrs. Fillmore continued standing by her husband's side whenever he needed her to do so. She went with him to the inauguration of President Pierce.
The inauguration was held outside, on a frigid January day--a day filled with snowy weather, and cold wind, which penetrated through one's body. The snowstorm worsened as it thrashed through chilling air.
Shortly after the inauguration, the Fillmore’s returned to the Willard Hotel, where they were staying. While there, Abigail Fillmore developed pneumonia.
On March 30, 1853, this loyal First Lady died at that very hotel. The House and Senate adjourned out of respect for her.
All public offices closed the day that Abigail Fillmore was returned to her home in Buffalo for burial.
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