Thomas Jefferson -- and John Adams -- Still Survive -- July 4, 2010

Of all the Founding Fathers, the two most important may have been John Adams and Thomas Jefferson -- the former being one of the strongest voices for independence, the latter (despite his numerous sins) being the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson and Adams had much in common. Both were lawyers, both served as American diplomats, and both were (obviously) Vice President and President. But perhaps the weirdest thing they have in common is that they both died on this date in 1826, exactly 50 years after the ratification of the Declaration.

Now, we've made no secret of how much we love coincidence, but this seems less coincidental and more like the final chapter completing their mythic lives. Adams and Jefferson were allied at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, but politics and other circumstances -- such as Adams' prickly personality -- forced them apart, and they became bitter rivals. Despite their personal enmity, fellow Founder Benjamin Rush eventually reconciled them in 1812.

The former presidents didn't meet in person during their rekindled friendship, but their letters are intimate and probe deep philosophical questions while touching on world events, literature, and science.

By 1826, Adams (aged 90) and Jefferson (83) while in reasonable health for their ages, were definitely feeling the effects of their ages. Adams suffered from rheumatism, and Jefferson had chronic bowel and back problems. 

Whether intentionally or not, they both managed to hold on for the 50th anniversary of Independence. Jefferson fell into a coma on July 2, rallied on the 3rd long enough to ask, "Is it the Fourth?" and died at 12:50 the next afternoon. Adams lasted a few more hours before succumbing to old age. Before he died, though, his last words were reputed to be "Thomas Jefferson still survives." 

Though it's been more than 180 years since Adams and Jefferson died, their legacy does, indeed, survive.

Suggested Sites...

John Adams Survives - a historian examines whether Adams's alleged last words were indeed spoken. The Adams-Jefferson Letters - introduction to the book, with a good overview of the mens' relationship. Early America: Obituary of John Adams - reproductions of period obits. You Tube: Peter Stone on 1776 - the librettist of the musical about the Founding Fathers discusses them. White House: James Monroe - another former President who died on the Fourth.