John Adams.

Name: The Works of John Adams
Author: John Adams

Born 30 Oct 1735 Braintree, United States

Died 4 Jul 1826 Quincy, United States

Citizenship United States

15 min read

Reading time

2,921

Words

Mar 3, 2026

Published

Books

Award

TL;DR

John Adams became the first U.S. vice president in 1789 and the second president in 1797, but he is also remembered for being the first to occupy the White House in 1800. He wrote a famous blessing for the White House that remains carved in the state dining room. Adams died at age 90 on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence.

Identity & family.

KIN · 9

Names, aliases, and relatives of John Adams — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Aliases President John Adams

PARENTS: Susanna Boylston
SPOUSES: Abigail Adams
CHILDREN: Abigail Adams Smith John Quincy Adams Susanna Adams Charles Adams Thomas Boylston Adams
SIBLINGS: Elihu Adams Peter Boylston Adams

At a glance.

STATS

John Adams by the numbers — life, work, and family.

90 Years lived

14 Books

1 Award

1 Marriage

5 Children

Who was John Adams?

BIOGRAPHY

John Adams — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

John Adams was born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts, to Susanna Boylston and a father who was a farmer and shoemaker. He grew up as the eldest of three boys, with brothers Elihu and Peter Boylston Adams. His mother encouraged his education, and he entered Harvard College at age 16, graduating in 1755.

After teaching school briefly, Adams studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1758. His Puritan upbringing and early exposure to Enlightenment ideas shaped his political philosophy, leading him to become a vocal critic of British colonial policies.

Career

John Adams emerged as a leading figure in the American Revolution, serving in the Continental Congress and helping draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He became the first vice president of the United States in 1789 under George Washington, a role he found frustrating due to its lack of power.

Elected as the second president in 1796, his single term from 1797 to 1801 was marked by the Quasi-War with France and the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts. He narrowly lost the 1800 election to Thomas Jefferson by just 250 votes in New York City. After leaving office, he retired to Quincy, Massachusetts, where he wrote extensively. His life was later profiled in the television series Biography in 1987.

Personal life

John Adams married Abigail Smith on October 25, 1764, beginning a partnership noted for its intellectual and emotional closeness. The couple had six children: Abigail Nabby, John Quincy the sixth U.S. president, Susanna, Charles, Thomas, and Elizabeth stillborn. Abigail was his most trusted advisor, and Adams often sought her counsel on political matters.

Adams outlived his wife by nearly eight years; she died of typhoid fever in 1818. He was the first president to survive his first lady, a fact noted in presidential history. Known for his stubborn and argumentative personality, Adams clashed with both political allies and rivals, which some historians believe hindered his effectiveness as a leader.

Legacy

John Adams is remembered as a principled founder who helped shape the early republic. He was the first president to live in the White House, moving in before its completion in 1800, and his prayer carved into the mantelpiece of the State Dining Room remains there today. Adams and his son John Quincy Adams were the only early presidents not to own slaves, reflecting his staunch opposition to slavery.

His contributions were recognized posthumously: he was elected to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans in 1900, its inaugural class. He died on the same day as Thomas Jefferson, July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Adams is most remembered for his tireless advocacy for independence and his role as a founding father.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

Every award, honor, and recognition received by John Adams — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 14

John Adams's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

The Works of John Adams

by John Adams et al.
Amazon

Dictionaire Universel

by Antoine Furetière et al.
Amazon

The Adams-Jefferson Letters

by John Adams et al.
Amazon

Letters of John Adams, Addressed to His Wife

by John Adams et al.
Amazon

The Political Writings of John Adams

by John Adams
Amazon

Legal Papers of John Adams

by Lyman Henry Butterfield et al.
Amazon

Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Volume 1 Vol. 1

by John Adams et al.

Could not load more books.

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 15

A wall of memorable lines from John Adams — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Children Should Be Educated and Instructed in the Principles of Freedom.
But a Constitution of Government Once Changed from Freedom, Can Never Be Restored. Liberty, Once Lost, Is Lost Forever.
Old Minds Are Like Old Horses; You Must Exercise Them If You Wish to Keep Them in Working Order.
We Have No Government Armed with Power Capable of Contending with Human Passions Unbridled by Morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition, Revenge or Gallantry Would Break the Strongest Cords of Our Constitution as a Whale Goes Through a Net. Our Constitution Is Designed Only for a Moral and Religious People. It Is Wholly Inadequate for Any Other.
No Man Who Ever Held the Office of President Would Congratulate a Friend on Obtaining It.
You Will Never Be Alone with a Poet in Your Pocket.
All Men Profess Honesty as Long as They Can. to Believe All Men Honest Would Be Folly. to Believe None so Is Something Worse.
I Must Study Politics and War That My Sons May Have Liberty to Study Mathematics and Philosophy. My Sons Ought to Study Mathematics and Philosophy, Geography, Natural History, Naval Architecture, Navigation, Commerce and Agriculture, in Order to Give Their Children a Right to Study Painting, Poetry, Music, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry and Porcelain.
Statesmen May Plan and Speculate for Liberty but It Is Religion and Morality Alone That Can Establish the Principles Upon Which Freedom Can Securely Stand.
A Revolution of Government Is the Strongest Proof That Can Be Given by a People of Their Virtue and Good Sense.
Facts Are Stubborn Things and Whatever May Be Our Wishes, Our Inclinations, or the Dictates of Our Passion, They Cannot Alter the State of Facts and Evidence
There Is Danger from All Men. the Only Maxim of a Free Government Ought to Be to Trust No Man Living with Power to Endanger the Public Liberty.
The Proposition That the People Are the Best Keepers of Their Own Liberties Is Not True. They Are the Worst Conceivable, They Are No Keepers at All; They Can Neither Judge, Act, Think, or Will, as a Political Body.
I Always Consider the Settlement of America with Reverence and Wonder, as the Opening of a Grand Scene and Design in Providence, for the Illumination of the Ignorant and the Emancipation of the Slavish Part of Mankind All Over the Earth.
In My Many Years I Have Come to a Conclusion That One Useless Man Is a Shame, Two Is a Law Firm, and Three or More Is a Congress.

Did you know?

FACTS · 25

Little-known facts about John Adams — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

On November 2, 1800, Adams wrote to Abigail a prayer for the White House that was later carved into the State Dining Room mantelpiece and remains there.
Adams became the first former US president to reach 90 years old on October 30, 1825, a feat not repeated until Herbert Hoover in 1964.
He served as the second president of the United States from March 4, 1797 to March 4, 1801.
Adams was the first vice president of the United States.
His son John Quincy Adams was president at the time of his death.
Adams died on the same day as Thomas Jefferson, July 4, 1826, 50 years after independence. His last words were Thomas Jefferson still survives, unaware Jefferson had died hours earlier.
He was the first president to live in the White House.
His grandson Charles Francis Adams 1807-1886 was a congressman and ran for vice president on the Free Soil ticket in 1848.
His great-great-grandson Charles Francis Adams III 1866-1954 served as United States Secretary of the Navy.
In the 1800 presidential election, Adams lost by only 250 votes in New York City.
Before leaving London, British General Sir William Howe was given a list of American rebels to pardon, but Adams’ name was not on it.
Adams was a great-great-grandson of Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden.
He was the longest lived president until Ronald Reagan surpassed him in 2001; later Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter also lived longer.
Adams considered his wife Abigail his intellectual equal and frequently sought her advice on important issues.
He was widely known as stubborn and prideful, with an argumentative personality that often strained his political alliances.
Because Adams was the first vice president and second president, his wife Abigail is uniquely both First Second Lady and Second First Lady.
Adams and his son John Quincy Adams are the only early US presidents of the first twelve who never owned slaves.
He was a second cousin of revolutionary figure and Massachusetts Governor Samuel Adams.
His daughter Abigail married Congressman William Stephens Smith, making Adams his father-in-law.
Adams was elected to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans in 1900, its inaugural class.
He was staunchly opposed to slavery throughout his life.
His enemies in Congress nicknamed the short, heavyset Adams His Rotundity.
Adams was the first president to outlive his first lady; as of 2023, eleven more presidents have done so.
Both Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the first Independence Day.
Adams had six children: Abigail Nabby, John Quincy 6th president, Susanna, Charles, Thomas, and Elizabeth stillborn.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 51

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about John Adams.

When was John Adams born?

John Adams was born on October 30, 1735. He was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, which is now part of Quincy.
Where was John Adams born?

John Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, USA. Today the area is part of Quincy, Massachusetts.
When did John Adams die?

John Adams died on July 4, 1826. He passed away at his home in Quincy, Massachusetts, at the age of 90.
How old was John Adams when he died?

John Adams was 90 years old when he died. He was the first former U.S. president to reach that age.
Where did John Adams die?

John Adams died in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. He passed away at his family home on July 4, 1826.
How did John Adams die?

John Adams died of natural causes. He passed away at his home in Quincy, Massachusetts, on July 4, 1826.
What was John Adams's occupation?

John Adams was a writer. He authored many political essays and letters, and his life was featured in the TV series Biography in 1987.
What nationality was John Adams?

John Adams was American. He was a citizen of the United States and one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
What language did John Adams speak?

John Adams spoke English. He also studied Latin and Greek at Harvard and read works in French.
Who were John Adams's parents?

John Adams’s mother was Susanna Boylston. His father, who was not named in some records, was a farmer and shoemaker.
Who was John Adams married to?

John Adams was married to Abigail Adams, born Abigail Smith. They wed on October 25, 1764, and remained together until her death in 1818.
Did John Adams have children?

Yes, John Adams had six children. Their names were Abigail Adams Smith, John Quincy Adams, Susanna Adams, Charles Adams, Thomas Boylston Adams, and a stillborn daughter named Elizabeth.
Did John Adams have any siblings?

Yes, John Adams had two siblings: brothers Elihu Adams and Peter Boylston Adams. He was the eldest of the three.
Where did John Adams go to school?

John Adams attended Harvard College, now part of Harvard University. He graduated in 1755 at the age of 20.
What awards did John Adams win?

John Adams was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame for Great Americans in 1900.
How tall was John Adams?

John Adams stood 5 feet 7 inches tall, or 1.70 meters. He was of average height for his time.
What was John Adams's alias?

John Adams was also known as President John Adams. This alias distinguished him from other historical figures named John Adams.
What is John Adams best known for?

John Adams is best known for being the second president of the United States and a leading Founding Father. He also served as the first vice president and was the first to live in the White House.
When did John Adams become president?

John Adams became president on March 4, 1797. He served a single term until March 4, 1801.
Who was John Adams's vice president?

John Adams’s vice president was Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson later became his political rival and succeeded him as president after the 1800 election.
What was John Adams's relationship with Thomas Jefferson?

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were initially friends and collaborators, both working on the Declaration of Independence. They later became political rivals and then reconciled in their old age, exchanging letters until both died on the same day, July 4, 1826.
Did John Adams own slaves?

No, John Adams never owned slaves. He was staunchly opposed to slavery, and he and his son John Quincy Adams were the only early presidents not to own slaves.
What is the famous quote carved in the White House from John Adams?

The quote is from a letter Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on November 2, 1800: I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men rule under this roof. It is carved into the mantelpiece of the State Dining Room.
How did John Adams lose the 1800 election?

John Adams lost the 1800 election to Thomas Jefferson by a narrow margin. The deciding factor was 250 votes in New York City, which went to Jefferson.
Who were John Adams's famous descendants?

John Adams’s son John Quincy Adams became the sixth U.S. president. Other descendants include Congressman Charles Francis Adams and Secretary of the Navy Charles Francis Adams III.
What was John Adams's nickname?

John Adams was sometimes called His Rotundity by his political enemies, a mocking reference to his short, heavyset build.
Who was the first president to live in the White House?

John Adams was the first president to live in the White House. He moved in during November 1800, before the building was fully completed.
Did John Adams have any siblings who were famous?

John Adams’s brother Samuel Adams? No, his brother was not the famous revolutionary. However, his second cousin Samuel Adams was a prominent patriot and governor of Massachusetts.
What was the cause of John Adams's death?

John Adams died of natural causes. He passed away at his home in Quincy, Massachusetts, on July 4, 1826, at age 90.
How many children did John Adams have?

John Adams had six children: Abigail, John Quincy, Susanna, Charles, Thomas, and a stillborn daughter Elizabeth. Only four survived to adulthood.
What was John Adams's education background?

John Adams graduated from Harvard College in 1755. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1758.
Was John Adams a writer?

Yes, John Adams was a writer. He wrote many political essays, letters, and an autobiography. He was also featured as a historical figure in the TV series Biography.
What did John Adams do after his presidency?

After his presidency, John Adams retired to his farm in Quincy, Massachusetts. He spent his time writing, reading, and corresponding with Thomas Jefferson.
How many terms did John Adams serve as president?

John Adams served only one term as president, from 1797 to 1801. He lost his reelection bid to Thomas Jefferson.
What was John Adams's role in the Declaration of Independence?

John Adams was a leading advocate for independence in the Continental Congress. He served on the committee that helped draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Who was John Adams's wife?

John Adams’s wife was Abigail Adams, born Abigail Smith. She was his closest advisor and they wrote over 1,000 letters to each other.
Did John Adams have any famous quotes?

Yes, John Adams said many well-known things. One of his most notable is the prayer carved in the White House: May none but honest and wise men rule under this roof.
What was John Adams's height?

John Adams was 5 feet 7 inches tall, which was about average for men of his era.
What is the legacy of John Adams?

John Adams’s legacy includes his role as a Founding Father, the second president, and a strong opponent of slavery. He was also the first to live in the White House and set a standard for presidential conduct.
Why did John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both die on July 4, 1826?

The exact coincidence is remarkable: both founding fathers died on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Adams’s last words were Thomas Jefferson still survives, unaware Jefferson had died hours earlier.
Did John Adams live longer than any other president?

At the time of his death, John Adams was the longest-lived president at age 90. He held that record until Ronald Reagan surpassed it in 2001.
What was John Adams's relationship with his son John Quincy Adams?

John Adams was very close to his son John Quincy Adams, who later became the sixth president. John Quincy was serving as president when John Adams died in 1826.
What is the Adams family political dynasty?

The Adams family produced two U.S. presidents: John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams. Other members served as diplomats, congressmen, and cabinet officials.
Was John Adams a lawyer?

Yes, John Adams studied law and became a lawyer in 1758. He practiced law in Boston and gained fame for defending British soldiers after the Boston Massacre.
What did John Adams think of slavery?

John Adams strongly opposed slavery. He never owned slaves and spoke out against the institution, a stance that set him apart from many other founding fathers.
How old was John Adams when he became president?

John Adams was 61 years old when he became president on March 4, 1797. He is one of the older presidents to take office.
What was John Adams's foreign policy?

John Adams pursued a policy of neutrality during the French Revolutionary Wars. He avoided a full-scale war with France, which was unpopular but later seen as wise.
Did John Adams have a nickname?

Yes, historians note that his enemies called him His Rotundity due to his short and stout physique. He also was called The Colossus of Independence for his role in the Revolution.
What was the White House like when John Adams moved in?

The White House was still under construction when John Adams moved in during November 1800. Only a few rooms were habitable, and the building was surrounded by scaffolding.
How did John Adams contribute to American independence?

John Adams was a key member of the Continental Congress, where he argued tirelessly for independence. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and later negotiated the Treaty of Paris.
What was the relationship between John Adams and the Second Continental Congress?

John Adams was a leading delegate in the Second Continental Congress. He served on over 90 committees and was instrumental in selecting George Washington as commander-in-chief.

View all 51 questions View fewer questions

Audited & updated by

Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on March 3, 2026

Report an issue

If something on this page looks off, we genuinely want to know about it. Send us a quick email with the celebrity's name, the detail that seems incorrect, and any sources you're referencing. We review every report and update the page as soon as we can.

Report an issue