July 4, 1826 –
Frienemies Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both lay dying in there respective homes on this date. Jefferson, the nation’s third president, deeply in debt at age 83, died at one o’clock in the afternoon and correctly surmised that Adams had outlived him. John Adams, the second president died at age 90 in Braintree, Mass, just a few hours after Jefferson. Adams’ last words were, Thomas Jefferson still survives.
It was exactly 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
July 4, 1831 –
James Monroe, fifth President of the United States, died in New York City at age 73 on this date.
This made him the third ex-President to die on Independence Day.
How patriotic.
July 4, 1850 –
President Zachary Taylor stood hatless in the sun for hours listening to long-winded speeches. He returned to the White House and attempted to cool off by eating cherries, cucumbers and drinking iced milk. Severe stomach cramps followed.
It is likely that Taylor’s own physicians inadvertently killed him with a whole series of debilitating treatments. The cur lingered on until he unpatriotically died on July 9th.
The Haus of Dcaligari 