July 4, 1826, church bells tolled for two great men while independence was celebrated.
The two men forged our new nation, though they disagreed bitterly on the direction of the new republic, both had a hand in directing the path to independence, and as president of the fledgling United States of America.
Please do not forget Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two of the last living American Revolutionaries at that time, passed away within hours of each other on this day in 1826.
Thomas Jefferson through letters to Abigale Adams, John Adams' wife, had over many years attempted to mend the rift between the two men. Though they never were able to meet or mend the rift caused by the 1800 campaign for the presidency.
On July 4, 1826, at the age of 90, Adams lay on his deathbed while the country celebrated Independence Day. His last words were Thomas Jefferson still survives. He was unfortunately mistaken: Jefferson had died five hours earlier at Monticello at the age of 82.