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Signature of John Adams

John Adams

John Adams's handwritten signature, as it appears on documents he signed during his life.

This is Adams's own signature, the same one found on the Declaration of Independence and other documents he signed.

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Black cursive signature on a white background, reading 'John Adams' in flowing script with long looping strokes, a large J, and a tall stroke above the h. — Signature of John Adams.

About this source

What it is

This image shows John Adams's autograph signature in flowing cursive script.

Why it matters

Signatures like this one appear on major documents Adams signed, including the Declaration of Independence and various treaties and acts. A signature is a direct, personal trace of a historical figure's own hand.

Look closer

What does the style of the handwriting suggest about the period it comes from?
Why do historians treat signatures as valuable evidence?
What can a signature tell us, and what can it not tell us, about a person?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of John Adams on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Scan of the engrossed Declaration of Independence on aged parchment. Heading reads 'In Congress, July 4, 1776' with the title 'The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America' below. Dense handwritten text fills the page; signatures appear at the bottom.

Document

Primary source

Declaration of Independence

Continental Congress (drafted by Thomas Jefferson) · 1776

Engraved portrait print of a man in a powdered wig and dark coat with buttons, set within an ornate oval-corner frame on a pedestal. Inscription below reads John Adams, Gezant der Noord-Americaansche Staaten, in de Vereenigde Nederlanden. A draped curtain, open book, and laurel branch flank the pedestal.

Painting

Primary source

Portrait of John Adams, American Diplomat

1790

Engraved print of a man in an oval frame with a laurel wreath and palm fronds, wearing a coat and cravat, standing on a pedestal inscribed with his name and title, next to an open book.

Painting

Primary source

Allegorical Portrait of John Adams

1782

Engraved portrait of a man in a dark coat with a white cravat and powdered hair, seated behind a table with a sextant, a compass, and papers. Caption below names John Adams, teacher of mathematics, navigation, and etc.

Painting

Primary source

Engraving of John Adams by J. T. Smith

J. T. Smith · 1795

Scan of a handwritten manuscript page headed 'Duplicate' with the calligraphic opening 'In the Name of the most Holy & undivided Trinity' and a preamble naming King George the Third and the United States of America.

Document

Primary source

Treaty of Paris

3 September 1783

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