John Adams (October 19, 1735 - July 4, 1826) was an American lawyer, statesman, diplomat and political theorist. Adams was highly educated and represented Enlightenment values promoting republicanism. A Federalist, he was highly influential and one of the key Founding Fathers of the United States. As a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress, he played a leading role in persuading Congress to declare independence. His revolutionary credentials secured him two terms as George Washington's vice president and his own election in 1796 as the second president of the United States (1797-1801). He was the first US president to reside in the building that eventually became known as the White House. His achievements have received greater recognition in modern times, though his contributions were not initially as celebrated as those of other Founders. In 1800, Adams was defeated for re-election by Thomas Jefferson and retired to Massachusetts. On July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Adams died at his home at the age of 90.