PRESIDENTS DAY
Born: Braintree, Massachusetts, on July 11, 1767.
Education: Attended school in Europe, graduated from Harvard College.
Occupation: Lawyer, diplomat, public official.
Religion: Unitarian.
Family Life: He married Louisa Catherine Johnson in 1797. She was the only First Lady born outside the United States, Louisa did not come to this country until four years after she had married John Quincy Adams. They had three sons and one daughter. Louisa died in Washington in 1852 and is buried next to her husband.
Political career Held dipolmatic posts under his father, President John Adams, and later was minister to several European countries, 1794-1801. Served in the United States Senate from Massachusetts, 1803-08. Negotiated treaty ending War of 1812; served as Monroe's secretary of state, 1817-25. Disputed election of 1824 was decided by House of Representatives; after his term, Adams returned to Congress 1831-48.
Hightlights of his presidency: Advocated passage of "Tariff of Abominations" whose high rates favored New England manufacturers and hurt Southern farmers.
Apperance: Short and stocky, balding, stern featured.
Died: On February 21, 1848, he collapsed on the floor of the House from a stroke and was carried to the Speaker's Room, where two days later he died.
Burried: He was buried at the First Parish Church in Quincy along with his parents and wife.
He was the only President who was the son of a President.
