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Biographies Unit Biographies  John Adams 1735–1826 Second
President of the United States  John Adams fought for freedom
and justice throughout his life. Adams was born in
Massachusetts. As a young man, he was passionate about learning.
Adams went to school to become a lawyer. He cared deeply about
colonists' rights.  Adams was a major force during the critical
times of the American Revolution. He went to both the First and
Second Continental Congresses. These congresses met to fight
English laws they felt were unfair. They decided to declare
their independence from England. In 1776, Adams helped Thomas
Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration
said that the colonies were free from English rule. Adams also
wrote many essays, letters, and newspaper articles about
government and the importance of justice and liberty to a free
nation.  John Adams was elected as the second President of the
United States in 1796. He continued to write