John Adams was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Before his presidency, he was a leader of the American Revolution that achieved independence from Great Britain. He is an old man who was the second US president. With his round face, puckered lips, sharp nose, and heavy, curved brows, Adams was never considered personally attractive. Bald at the top, his forehead was high and shinny.