John Adams worked as a teacher and lawyer before dedicating himself to a life of patriotism and politics. He was America's second president. Adams was well known for his extreme political independence, brilliant mind and passionate patriotism. He was a leader in the Continental Congress and an important diplomatic figure, before becoming America's first vice president. Adams then served one term as president but lost the election of 1800 to Thomas Jefferson, his longtime friend and political rival.

Also dear to John Adams was his wife and partner of 54 years, Abigail Adams. She was a gifted intellectual who corresponded with her husband during his long absences from home, chronicling many important events of America's founding. John and Abigail Adams were the parents of another U.S. president, John Quincy Adams. Do you know how many other fathers and their sons have both been president?