Charming Louisa

Her husband didn’t understand her. Her mother-in-law criticized her. And her toddler threw her keys and his shoe into the water.

No, not the latest Facebook post from your friend, but the very relatable problems of Louisa Johnson Adams, wife of President John Quincy Adams. Louisa Thomas’s delightfully readable biography Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams brings to life this formerly obscure first lady and credits her with invaluably aiding her husband’s political career.

Born in London to an American father and English mother, the pretty and amiable Louisa Johnson caught the eye of the chilly, yet brilliant diplomat John Quincy Adams. He loved service to his country, his family and his books; raised to be an ornament to society, she thought he read too much. Their courtship and early years of marriage were tumultuous: oh-so-modern arguments over money, child-rearing and family lead to many hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

Yet together they were formidable. From the glittering courts of St. Petersburg to the rough-and-tumble political scene in Washington, John Quincy’s political star rose aided in no small part by the very charming Louisa. This lady knew how to give a party; one gala she hosted was still being talked about half a century later. With a bright smile, delectable food and dazzling conversation, Louisa charmed critics and friends alike and her “campaigne” for her husband’s presidency was a success.