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History of John Adams
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Birth
John Adams is born in Braintree, Massachusetts. (Present-day Quincy) His parents were John Adams and Susana Boylston. Adams had two younger brothers, named Peter and Elihu. -
Graduation
Sometime in 1755, Adams graduates from Harvard College as a strong student. Soon after, Reverent Thaddeus Mccarty hired him as a teacher at the Central School of Worcester. -
Law Career
Sometime in 1758, Adams starts his law career in Boston, Massachusetts. He would eventually go on to become one of Boston's best attorneys. -
Marriage
Adams marries Abigail Smith. (Lived from 1744 - 1818) Before they married, they dated for two years. Later, the two of them had six children. -
Boston Massacre Trial
Adams defends the British soldiers of the Boston Massacre in court. (Actual event occurred in March) He believed that everyone was entitled to a fair trial. Six of the eight soldiers were acquitted. -
First Continental Congress
Adams attends the First Continental Congress. All colonies except Georgia sent delegates. At this convention, Adams was chosen to be part of the Grand Committee of twenty-three people. Together, they wrote a report of American rights and a list of grievances. -
Second Continental Congress
As a Massachusetts delegate, Adams attends the Second Continental Congress and nominates George Washington as commander of the Continental Army. He would later nominate Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. -
Treaty of Paris
John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin are sent to France. Their mission was to negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war for independence. Adams then served as the U.S.'s first ambassador to Britain. -
Presidency
Adams becomes the second president of the United States. He appointed his son, John Quincy Adams, as minister to Prussia. The Library of Congress and the Navy were created during this time, and the capital of the U.S. was moved to Washington D.C. Adams also had to deal with the XYZ Affair during his presidency. -
Son's Presidency
Even though Adams was very old, he lived long enough to see his son, John Quincy Adams, become president. He was the fifth president of the U.S. and served only one term. John Adams died only one year later. -
Death
Adams dies at the age of 91. Curiously, this was only five hours after Jefferson passed away. This is also the date we celebrate Independence Day. -
Vice Presidency
Adams becomes vice president under the presidency of George Washington. He received warm welcomes on his way to New York. Upon arriving there, he addressed the Senate and expressed gratitude for being selected for such a position.
