Abigail Powers Fillmore

This oil on canvas painting by an unknown artist is of First Lady Abigail Fillmore. Her husband, Millard Fillmore, served as President from July 9, 1850 until March 4, 1853, following the death in office of Zachary Taylor. Abigail Fillmore was the first First Lady who continued to hold a job after marriage as a teacher. Mrs. Fillmore highly valued education throughout her life. As First Lady, she delegated many of her social duties to her daughter due to chronic poor health. She also expanded the White House library. She developed pneumonia after attending President Franklin Pierce's inauguration in 1853 and died 26 days later.