John Adams was born in Braintree, now Quincy, in October, 1735, and was raised on the family farm. He attended Harvard College, now part of Harvard University, and graduated in 1755. After a short stint as a teacher, he became a lawyer. He married Abigail Smith in 1764.
Adams was a major figure in the political agitation that preceded the American Revolution. He was elected to represent Braintree at both the First and the Second Continental Congress. He spent most of the ten years from 1778 to 1788 in Europe as a diplomat.
Shortly after returning home, Adams was elected Vice-President under George Washington. He served two terms. Then he was elected President in his own right, serving one term from 1797 to 1801.
During Adams' administration, the federal government moved to Washington D.C.. Adams was the first president to live in the The White House.
After leaving office, he returned to his home, where he died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
