Louisa Catherine Adams: The Other Mrs. Adams

Louisa Catherine Adams was born in London, England, on February 12, 1775. Her father, Joshua Johnson, was an American merchant and diplomat, and her mother, Catherine Nuth, was the daughter of a wealthy British merchant. Louisa was the eldest of six children, and she had a happy and privileged childhood.

Louisa Catherine: The Other Mrs. Adams

by Margery M. Heffron

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2298 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	429 pages
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In 1783, Louisa's father was appointed the first American consul to England. The family moved to London, where Louisa was educated at a private school. She was a bright and inquisitive child, and she quickly mastered the English language. She also developed a love of music and literature.

In 1793, Louisa met John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams, the second president of the United States. John Quincy was a young diplomat, and he was immediately smitten with Louisa. They were married in London on July 26, 1797.

The couple had four children: George Washington Adams, John Adams II, Charles Francis Adams, and Louisa Catherine Adams. Louisa was a devoted mother, and she raised her children in a happy and loving home.

In 1800, John Quincy Adams was elected to the United States Senate. The family moved to Washington, D.C., where Louisa became a prominent figure in society. She was a gracious hostess, and she often entertained guests at the Adams home.

In 1825, John Quincy Adams was elected president of the United States. Louisa became the First Lady of the United States, and she served in that role until 1829. She was a popular First Lady, and she was known for her intelligence, her wit, and her charm.

After her husband's presidency, Louisa and John Quincy retired to their home in Quincy, Massachusetts. Louisa continued to be active in society, and she was a patron of the arts and education. She also wrote several books and articles on a variety of topics.

Louisa Catherine Adams died in Quincy, Massachusetts, on May 14, 1852. She was 77 years old. She is buried in the Adams family crypt in the United First Parish Church in Quincy.

Louisa Catherine Adams was a remarkable woman. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She was also a talented writer and a patron of the arts and education. She will always be remembered as one of the most influential First Ladies in American history.

Sources

• Adams, Charles Francis. _The Life of John Quincy Adams_. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1858.
• Adams, Louisa Catherine. _Letters of Mrs. Adams, the Wife of John Adams_. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1840.
• Gribben, Francis. _The Life and Letters of Louisa Catherine Adams_. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1892.
• Wharton, Anne Hollingsworth. _Social Life in the Early Republic_. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1902.

Image Credits

• Louisa Catherine Adams by Gilbert Stuart, 1816. Public domain.
• John Quincy Adams by Chester Harding, 1825. Public domain.
• The White House in 1830. Public domain.

Louisa Catherine: The Other Mrs. Adams

by Margery M. Heffron

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2298 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	429 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE