John Adams

Served: 1797-1801, 2nd President

Political Party: Federalist

Public Service:
– defense attorney of British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre
– delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress
– co-author of the Declaration of Independence
– U.S. envoy to France
– U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands
– first U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain
– Vice-President of the United States

Accomplishments while President:
– performed a peaceful transfer of power from one President to the next
– Kept the U.S. out of war with Great Britain or France
– signed the Alien and Sedition Acts
– supported defense; built up the Army, established the U.S. Navy
– nominated John Marshall to be Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

Personal Details:

Born – October 30, 1735
Occupation – Lawyer, diplomat
Spouse – Abigail
Residence – Peacefield
Nickname – Founding Father
Died – July 4, 1826

Fun Facts:
– one of three Presidents to die on the 4th of July
– first President to live in the White House
– first President whose son also became President
– cousin of Samuel Adams
– after no contact for 12 years, corresponded with Thomas Jefferson for 14 years
– longest-lived President (age 90) until Ronald Reagan

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