John Adams

Early Life and Family

What was John Adams’s father’s occupation?

John Adams Sr. worked as a farmer and at various civic offices in Braintree, Massachusetts, including as a tax collector and selectman. He also served as a church deacon. He impressed upon his son John the importance of working hard on his studies. If young John failed to perform his studies, his father would give him extra duties on the farm.

A portrait by John Singleton Copley of John Adams when he was Washington’s vice president.

