Abigail Fillmore
A teacher and bibliophile who, as First Lady, used her own salary to establish the first permanent White House library because she believed a house without books was incomplete.
1798–1853 (age 55)·First Lady of the United States from 1850 to 1853·Birthday: March 13
Biography
Abigail Fillmore, born in 1798, entered the White House not as a socialite but as a scholar. A schoolteacher from age 16—who once taught her future husband, Millard Fillmore—she maintained a lifelong intellectual curiosity. When Millard assumed the presidency in 1850, Abigail found the Executive Mansion devoid of books. Using funds from her household budget, she petitioned Congress for an appropriation and personally selected volumes to create the first official White House library. This act transformed the presidential residence, introducing a space for cultural and intellectual gathering. Her tenure was brief and often hampered by ill health, but she left an indelible mark by insisting that the nation's home should reflect a mind engaged with the world.
#1 When Abigail Was Born
The biggest hits of 1798
Abigail's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1798Born
1803Started school
1811Became a teenager
1814Could drive
1816Could vote
1819Turned 21
1828Turned 30
1838Turned 40
1848Turned 50
1853Died at 55
Key Achievements
- Founded the first permanent White House library in 1850, selecting its initial collection of books.
- Was the first First Lady to have held a paid job prior to marriage, working as a professional schoolteacher.
- Acted as a clerk for her husband, President Millard Fillmore, before and during his presidency due to her sharp mind and penmanship.
Did You Know?
She was the first First Lady to be born in the 19th century.
She met her husband, Millard Fillmore, when he was a student in her classroom; she was two years his senior.
She played the piano and harp and was instrumental in bringing a piano to the White House.
Her son, Millard Powers Fillmore, served as his father's private secretary during his presidency.
“A house without books is like a room without windows.”
