John Adams

John Adams was born at Braintree, Massachusetts, October 30, 1735. He graduated at Harvard College in 1755, studied law, and entered upon its practice in Boston. He soon became eminent in his profession, and was distinguished for his learning and eloquence.

He was one of the earliest and most active opponents of British oppression, and in 1770 was chosen a member of the Legislature of Massachusetts. In 1774 he was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and continued in that body until 1778. He was present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and affixed his signature to that instrument.

In 1778 he was appointed commissioner to France, and in 1780 was sent as minister to Holland. In 1785 he was appointed minister to Great Britain, and in 1789 was elected Vice-President of the United States. In 1797 he succeeded Washington as President, and held that office until 1801.

He retired to private life, and passed the remainder of his days at Quincy, Massachusetts. He died July 4, 1826, in the ninety-first year of his age, on the same day with Thomas Jefferson.

Source:
Lossing, Benson J. The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. New York: A.S. Barnes & Co., 1855. Patriot Echoes Archive