There are several occurrences in American history that some would call coincidences, but those who believe in a God who ultimately governs over the affairs of this world would call providence.
The deaths of Founders Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, is perhaps the top among them.
Both men served on the committee charged with drafting the document along with Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston.
The great orator and statesman Daniel Webster said in a eulogy for Jefferson and Adams at the time, “Poetry itself has hardly terminated illustrious lives, and finished the career of earthly renown, by such a consummation. If we had the power, we could not wish to reverse this dispensation of the Divine Providence.”
“[T]he concurrence of their death on the anniversary of Independence has naturally awakened stronger emotions,” he added.