Louisa Adams
Louisa Adams, the first first lady born outside the U.S., played a pivotal role as her husband’s unofficial campaign manager, advising John Quincy Adams and aiding his social recognition on the path to the presidency. However, post-election, John diminished her influence, primarily utilizing her for official receptions. This shift likely contributed to her lower scores in the leadership, “own woman,” and accomplishments categories. Louisa, lamenting her perceived role, expressed feeling like an “incumbrance” unless needed for political maneuvers. Finding solace in volunteer work, particularly with the Washington Female Orphan Asylums, her marriage, while companionable, faced challenges, with historians speculating on the difficulties of being wed to John Quincy Adams. Unhappy in her first lady role, she referred to the White House as a “prison.”
Image Credit: Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons