Narrative of the Life of John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams was born in Frederick County, Virginia in 1845 to slave parents belonging to the prominent Calomese family. Adams and his twin brother were one of four sets born to their mother, who had twenty-five children. Adams' book Narrative of the Life of John Quincy Adams (1872) was published while he lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Much of Adams' narrative contrasts slave and free life, using anecdotes and biblical principles to illustrate the differences. One memorable heartbreaking moment that Adams uses to highlight the evils of slavery occurred in 1857, when his twin brother and another sister were sold away from the family. Fortunately, the family was reunited with John's twin, Aaron, through correspondence, and they met again after the Civil War. Following his narrative, Adams includes excerpts from the United States Constitution, as well as letters of personal recommendation.