John Adams

John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was the first (1789–1797) Vice President of the United States, and the second (1797–1801) President of the United States. His reputation has been rising in recent years. As one historian concluded, "Madison was the great intellectual ... Jefferson the ... unquenchable idealist, and Franklin the most charming and versatile genius, but Adams is the most captivating founding father on most counts." [Robert Rutland in Ellis 2001 p 230]