John Adams

30 October 1735 – 4 July 1826

John Adams (1735-1826) was an American statesman, Founding Father, and the second president of the United States. A leading advocate of independence in the Continental Congress, he helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War and served as the nation's first vice president before his presidency. He died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the same day as Thomas Jefferson.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with John Adams.

Life events

Born in Braintree, Massachusetts Bay Colony
30 October 1735

He was born in the part of Braintree that later became Quincy, Massachusetts, the eldest son of a farmer and deacon.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Graduated from Harvard College
1755

He earned his A.B. degree from Harvard and later turned from teaching to the study of law.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Abigail Smith
25 October 1764

His marriage to Abigail Smith began one of the most celebrated partnerships in American history, documented in their extensive correspondence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Defended British soldiers accused in the Boston Massacre
1770

Despite public hostility, he successfully defended the British soldiers at trial, upholding the principle of the right to counsel.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Served as a delegate to the Continental Congress
1774 – 1777

Representing Massachusetts, he became one of the foremost advocates of American independence in the First and Second Continental Congresses.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Helped draft and championed the Declaration of Independence
4 July 1776

He served on the drafting committee and led the floor debate for the Declaration's adoption by Congress.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Co-negotiated and signed the Treaty of Paris
3 September 1783

With Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, he negotiated the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War and secured British recognition of American independence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Served as the first Vice President of the United States
21 April 1789 – 4 March 1797

He served two terms as vice president under George Washington.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Served as the second President of the United States
4 March 1797 – 4 March 1801

His single term was marked by the Quasi-War with France and the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Quincy, Massachusetts, on the fiftieth anniversary of independence
4 July 1826

He died on July 4, 1826, hours after Thomas Jefferson, on the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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