John Adams

"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."

This quote, so apropos for today, is credited to John Adams, the second president of the United States.

This most important, favorite son from Massachusetts was a big man even though short in stature (only 5’ 6”).

He made a name for himself as a young man by arguing against the British right to tax the colonies.

It was Adams who nominated Washington to serve as commander of the Continental Army, and it was Adams who chose Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. And it was he who persuaded the delegates from the colonies to adopt the resolution in favor of independence. He stood up on July 1, 1776 and spoke without notes for about two hours in favor of independence. No one knows exactly what he said that day, because no one transcribed his words, but Thomas Jefferson later said, "[Adams spoke] with a power of thought and expression that moved us from our seats." The resolution was adopted the following day, on July 2, 1776. It was probably the greatest day of Adams's life.

His life was always overshadowed by Washington who came before him and Jefferson who came after him but as you can see he probably was more important than them.

Today we celebrate the birthday of this great patriot from Braintree, Massachusetts.