Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • John Adams, Second President of the United States
    • John Quincy Adams Facts
    • Timeline of the life of John Quincy Adams
    • Facts about Abigail Adams
    • Biography
    • The Boston Massacre Trials
    • Olive Branch Petition
    • Role in Congress
    John Adams Historical Society
    • Facts
    • Interesting Facts
    • Timeline
    • Quotes
    • John Adams Dollar
    • About Us
    John Adams Historical Society
    Home»Retirement and Death»Last years of John Adams
    Retirement and Death

    Last years of John Adams

    Staff writerBy Staff writerNovember 26, 2012Updated:October 23, 2016No Comments3 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    After his defeat in the 1800 presidential elections by Thomas Jefferson Adams returned to Quincy, he was 65 years old. During the first years of his retirement Adams seldom left Peacefield, only to walk or ride in the countryside. He went through a long period of adjustment to a less active lifestyle. Adams did not publish and correspondence was light, he worked on the farm and liked to read alone in his study.

    In 1803 after John Quincy’s return to Massachusetts John Adams came out of his two year self imposed isolation. John Quincy played an active role with the Federalist Party and was elected to the State legislature and then to the US Senate. John Quincy managed his father’s finances and properties. That same year Thomas moved back to Peacefield and opened a law office. Charles’ widow, Sally, and her two children also moved to Quincy. Surrounded by his own children and grandchildren Adams was enjoying his retirement. He started going to public functions such as the 4th of July celebrations and the yearly commencement at Harvard.

    The death of his political contemporaries started to become a frequent occurrence. While he remained in good health during the 15 years in retirement, other than the deterioration of his vision, Abigail did not have such luck. In 1807 she was affected by influenza which left her in weak health, in 1809 it was dysentery and in 1812 a pulmonary disorder. She also suffered of deteriorating rheumatism.

    In 1811 his older daughter Nabby was diagnosed with breast cancer and died in 1813. He also lost a grandson, son of Thomas, to whooping cough. These two family tragedies and the death of close friends seemed to have changed Adams who was no longer bitter from his departure from Washington. He reconnected with Jefferson and continued to communicate until the end of their lives.

    A few years later on Wednesday October 28, 1818 Abigail died from typhoid fever; she was laid to rest next to Nabby. John Adams was emotionally distraught and old but remained mentally alert and with full mental faculties. After 1823 his quality of life started to deteriorate and his sight was nearly gone. In 1824 he got to see his son John Quincy being elected the sixth President of the United States.

    He wished to live to see the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; his wish was granted as he died at six o’clock on July 4, 1825. Jefferson died on the same day.

    Services were conducted at the Congregational Church and his body was laid to rest next to Abigail’s.

     

    Back to John Adams Homepage

     

    Previous ArticleThe Boston Massacre Marker
    Next Article The XYZ Affair

    Comments are closed.

    Categories
    • Biography
    • The Young Lawyer
    • Stamp Act and the Beginning of Political Activism
    • Boston Massacre
    • Continental Congresses and Role in Building a Nation
    • Diplomatic Assignments and The Treaty of Paris
    • Vice President and President
    • Retirement and Death
    • John Adams Historical Landmarks
    • Abigail Adams
    • John Quincy Adams
    • Links
    Abraham Lincoln, the man who abolished slavery
    Abraham Lincoln, the man who abolished slavery
    Learn about Crimea
    Learn about Crimea
    Tags
    Abigail Adams Abigail Adams biography Abigail Smith biography boston massacre boston massacre marker boston massacre trials Boston Public Library continetal congress death early career early life education facts about Abigail Adams family fight for independence historical landmarks John Adams dollar coin John Adams Library John Adams president John Hancock John Quincy John Quincy Adams John Quincy Adams facts John Quincy Adams president John Quincy Adams timelime last years lawyer letters Massachusetts constitution Olive Branch Petition Philadelphia polical activism Quincy retirement revolutionary war second continental congress stamp act stamp act of 1765 timeline townshend acts Treaty of Paris wive XYZ Affair young lawyer
    The Life of Frederick Douglass
    Frederick Douglass
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.