Charles Francis Adams

Republican Representative of Massachusetts's 3rd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

August 18, 1807 (79 years old)

Birthday

November 21, 1886

Death

Historical editor, writer, politician, and diplomat active during the 19th century.
Served as the United States Minister to the United Kingdom during the American Civil War, playing a key role in maintaining British neutrality and preventing recognition of the Confederacy.
Member of a prominent political family, with both his father and grandfather having served as Presidents of the United States.
Involved in national and state politics, including two terms in the Massachusetts State Senate and election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Co-founded the abolitionist Free Soil Party and was its vice-presidential candidate in 1848.
Held various political affiliations throughout his career, including Republican, Liberal Republican, Anti-Mason, and Democrat.
Contributed significantly to historical scholarship, particularly through his work on the writings and biography of his grandfather, John Adams.
Built the first presidential library in the United States to honor his father, John Quincy Adams.
Engaged in diplomatic correspondence with notable figures, including Karl Marx, during his tenure in the UK.
Experienced personal and political challenges, including alienation from the Republican Party post-Civil War and an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 1876.