Abigail Bailey

About

18th century woman who documented her family's struggle against domestic violence and incest. She authored the Memoirs of Mrs. Abigail Bailey, which detail how her husband abused one of their daughters. She never intended that her writing be published, however it was published after her death. It is considered the first autobiographical account of family violence published in the United States.

Before Fame

When they were newly married, she and her husband bought a farm in Landaff, New Hampshire.

Trivia

Her memoir details her abusive relationship and her faith and trust in God. In 1792, she was granted a divorce after 25 years of marriage. In 1804, she moved to Bath, New Hampshire, to live with the family of her son Asa. She initially only wrote her memoirs for her church. She detailed cases in which her husband committed adultery. 

Family Life

Her father was Deacon James Abbott.  In 1767, she married Major Asa Bailey. They had 17 children including Samuel, Asa, Abigail, Caleb, Anna, Chloe, Amos, Olive, Phinehas, Judith and Patience. 

Associated With

She and Elizabeth Hamilton are both famous American women born in the 18th century.