James Earl

In this portrait, intended as a pendant to her husband’s, Abigail Congdon Packard wears a fashionable silk gown and a fine linen cap and fichu, matching him in both style and status. A few years later, she inherited a portion of her father’s estate in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, where the family built a house and later expanded their land holdings.

Recognizing her privilege, Abigail helped establish the Providence Female Charitable Society, an organization aiding indigent women and children.