Person:Thomas Adams (60)

On googlebooks: Commemorative Historical and Biographical Record of Wood County Ohio: Its Past & Present; Vol 2 pg 976-978; a reproduction by Unigraphic, Inc., 1401 North Fares Avenue, Evansville, IN 47711; 1976; Chicago: JH Beers & Co., 1897

Thomas Adams was a native of Wigtownshire, Scotland, born April 25, 1812, and his wife was born in the same place, December 23, 1819. His family was in moderate circumstances, and when Thomas attained his majority he determined to seek a home in the New World. Sailing for the United States, he landed at New York City, after a voyage of six weeks and five days, and first found employment in that city as hostler for a wealthy family, which situation he lost from failure to salute his master with becoming deference, his Scotch pride not allowing him to do so. Some time later he went to Slatington, PA, where he worked in the slate quarries, afterward going to Tiffin, OH, where, on December 9, 1836, he was married to Mary McGill. She was the daughter of John McGill, who with his family, came to the United States in 1833, locating at Tiffin, OH, where both parents died of cholera not long after their arrival.

Thomas Adams came to Wood County, OH in 1835, and entered eighty acres of land in Section 9, Montgomery township. At that time the land office was at Bucyrus, and he walked to and from his land. It was in a primitive condition, with no improvements, and his first house was a small log cabin, built on a knoll a short distance southwest of where the old homestead now stands. The household goods of the young couple, who thus began life together with brave hearts and willing hands, were of the rudest type, and few in number. Until the land was cultivated they could not live off its products, and for the first year or so, Mr. Adams was obliged to work for other people, and he worked in a brickyard at Perrysburg for eight dollars a month. He was a stout, strapping young fellow, and, carried the apple trees for his orchard on his back from Tiffin to this home. He was a very robust man, and until his final sickness never had any illness in his life except the measles. The courage and industry of this worthy couple were rewarded by prosperity, and they lived to see the wilderness changed into fertile fields and blooming orchards, and, in place of the solitary log cabin, three handsome houses built upon the farm. They also had the happiness to celebrate their golden wedding on December 9, 1886, at which their large family were all present. Their children were as follows: James W., born September 16, 1837, is a manufacturer in Grand Rapids, Mich.; John, born April 20, 1839, was a member of the 21st Regiment O. V. I., and died June 1, 1863, being buried at Murfreesboro; Robert W., born September 18, 1842, is a conductor on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, and lives in Chicago; Jennie, born September 18, 1842, married Rev. James Rhodes, a minister of the United Brethren Church, at Fostoria; Lizzie, born September 20, 1845, is the wife of W. W. Dunipace, of Webster township; Ella, born November 20, 1847, is now Mrs. G. K. Daily, of Montgomery township; Cornelia, born July 9, 1850, married Otis Hoiles, and died August 2, 1871, in Omaha, NE; Thomas J. is our subject; George A., born November 9, 1857, is a farmer in Montgomery township; Francis M., born April 3, 1861, is also a farmer in the same township; Minnie B., born November 23, 1863, is the wife of Dr. E. W. Heltman, of Toledo, OH. Mr. Adams always followed farming, and, being steady, industrious and economical, his property increased from the original eighty acres to 320. He was a Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, when he became one of its stanch adherents. He was no office seeker, but served in minor township offices, and was a man of considerable influence in the community. He died April 26, 1888, his wife surviving him until December 20, 1891. Both are buried in the cemetery at Prairie Depot. This worthy couple were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and reared their numerous children to habits of industry and honesty. They were greatly respected and beloved by all who knew them, and their children have all become well-to-do and influential citizens.