John Adams was born on October 19, 1735, in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. He was the son of John Adams Sr. and Susanna Boylston Adams Hall. He was married to Abigail Smith Adams. Together they raised six children, including John Quincy Adams, who later became the sixth president of the United States. He was educated at Harvard and became a successful lawyer. He risked his reputation by defending British soldiers after the Boston Massacre, proving his belief that even hated men deserved a fair trial.

As tensions with Britain grew, Adams became an advocate for independence, helping draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Sent to Europe during the Revolution, he worked as a diplomat, securing recognition and loans from countries like the Netherlands—support that kept the fight for freedom alive.

After the war, Adams served as the nation’s first vice president under George Washington and then as president from 1797 to 1801, navigating challenges with France and building up the U.S. military. In retirement, Adams returned to Massachusetts and died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1826. He is now buried in the United First Parish Church, Quincy, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, USA.

Source of information and photo: en.wikipedia.org