When Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826-exactly 50 years after the signing the Declaration of Independence-he died a poor man.  His lavish lifestyle culminated in net debts of more than $100,000 at his death.  Consequently, Jefferson's slaves and Monticello were sold.  Only five of the slaves who had so faithfully served him were freed.What a contrast to the financial state of affairs of Jefferson's friend and co-patriot, John Adams!  Like Jefferson, Adams died on July 4, 1826.  Unlike Jefferson, however, John Adams, an abolitionist, died a man free of debt, a man with an estate worth more than $100,000.  The reason?  John Adams had lived a life of "sobriety and industry," believing that thrift was a virtue and unfunded extravagance a vice.The fact that Adams' financial affairs were in such good order is made even more remarkable by the fact that John Adams gave up his lucrative law practice to serve America, before, during, and after...(Read Full Post)