John Adams

A lawyer from Quincy and cousin of Samuel Adams. After the Boston Massacre, he defended the accused British soldiers in court — winning acquittals for most — because he believed even unpopular defendants deserved a fair trial. He called it "one of the best pieces of service I ever rendered my country."

He helped draft the Declaration, served as the first vice president, and became the second president. He died on July 4, 1826 — the fiftieth anniversary of independence. His family is the subject of Adams National Historical Park.