Abigail Powers Fillmore, White House Collection

This undated daguerreotype is of First Lady Abigail Powers Fillmore. Her husband, President Millard Fillmore, served as vice president under President Zachary Taylor until Taylor's sudden death while in office in 1850. Fillmore served as the thirteenth president from July 10, 1850 until March 4, 1853. Mrs. 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 Mary due to chronic poor health. She also promoted the creation of a White House library, located in what is now the Yellow Oval Room on the Second Floor residence of the Executive Mansion.