Grace Hopper was born on December 9, 1906 in New York City. At a very young age she showed an interest in engineering, often taking apart household goods and putting them back together. She was named a distinguished fellow of the British Computer Society, then the first person from the U.S. and first woman from any country to hold the title.
Mary Todd Lincoln was wife of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The two met in Springfield, Illinois in 1839... in his own words, he was “a poor nobody then.” She reportedly managed to save $70,000 of his $100,000 salary during his presidency. During the Civil War, Mary Lincoln became a regular at the newly-established hospitals around Washington, D.C. providing food and comfort to the wounded. Rarely was a kind word printed about her by the press. On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre. She uttered in disbelief, "Oh my God, have I given my husband to die?"
Deborah Read, wife of American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, was born about 1707. In 1730, the couple entered into a common law marriage, agreeing to live together as husband and wife without formal approval by religious or civil authorities. Deborah managed their businesses and sold such items as soap, medicines, chocolate, tea, cloth, feathers and lottery tickets.
Sarah Livingston Jay married the First United States Chief Justice, John Jay. In 1779, they embarked on a mission to Spain with intent of persuading the country to join the Franco-American alliance. She's considered one of the first socialites in the United States. Her "Dinner and Supper list" for 1787-1788 contained the names of notable men and women who were the midwives of the new nation.
Dolley Madison was wife of the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. She is often credited with saving a portrait of George Washington when 4,000 British troops landed in Maryland during the War of 1812. She presided at the first inaugural ball in Washington when James Madison became president in 1809, the first First Lady to host the Inaugural Ball.
