Why Peacefield?

Why do we call our farm Peacefield? We found inspiration in John and Abigail Adams. 

John Adams spent 16 years practicing law. He spent two years serving in the Continental Congress. There, he helped draft and then signed the Declaration of Independence, risking his life, branded a traitor. From 1778-1788, he served overseas as his country’s representative to foreign courts and governments, establishing its position among the nations.  He gave 8 years as Vice President to George Washington. He then dedicated four years as the next U.S. President, residing in the swamp which became Washington, D.C. President Adams helped hold together a fledgling, heavily-indebted nation, contending with factions, warmongers, and personal betrayals.

Through it all, Abigail stood by John's side as his equal, his most trusted confidant and counselor. Through it all, Abigail nurtured and educated the children, including a future U.S. President. For many years she did this alone to enable John to serve an ocean away.

After the presidency, John and Abigail retired to 600 acres of land nine miles south of Boston and called their farm Peacefield. At Peacefield, they set aside the long travail of their public service. There, they gathered their once dispersed family, worked the land, and lived out their days in relative seclusion. They reconciled with estranged friends, grieved the death of a son, and took long walks. They found communion in the work and in the natural beauties around them. Retired at Peacefield, John wrote, “This phrase ‘rejoice ever more’ shall never be out of my heart, memory, or mouth again as long as I live, if I can help it.” 

At Peacefield, on July 4, 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams set aside mortality. He and Abigail left a legacy of courage, shocking personal and family sacrifice, and incorruptible integrity. John Adams believed his greatest accomplishment as President was averting a war with France and establishing a national peace.

At our own Peacefield, we find communion in the work and the beauty and “rejoice ever more.”