M John Adams

John Adams (1735–1826) was a Founding Father, a leading advocate of American independence, and the second U.S. President (1797–1801). He played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and served as the first U.S. ambassador to Britain, later guiding the young nation through the Quasi-War with France as president.

Interesting anecdote: Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 – the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Adams’s last words reportedly were, “Thomas Jefferson still survives,” unaware that Jefferson had passed away hours earlier.