Charles Francis Adams, Sr. was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the third son of John Quincy and Louisa Catherine (Johnson) Adams. Charles Francis’ childhood education was supported by his father’s diplomatic mission to Russia (1809), as well as his service as U.S. Minister to Great Britain (1815) and U.S. Secretary of State (1817). He received formal education at Boston Latin School and Harvard University (1821-1825). Charles Francis married Abigail Brooks, the daughter of a wealthy businessman in Massachusetts in 1827. Charles wasn’t interested in politics until the controversy over slavery encouraged him to serve in the Massachusetts legislature as a leader of the “conscience Whigs” from 1840-1845. He spent the 1850’s publishing his grandfather’s papers after becoming disillusioned with the “Free Soil” movement. He returned to the House of Representatives from 1859-1861 and through his support of William Henry Seward became President Lincoln’s appointee to serve as U.S. Minister to Great Britain (1860-1868). Through his skillful negotiations, Adams was influential in persuading the British, and by extension the French, not to recognize the Confederacy. Charles died in 1886 and was survived by his wife and four sons.