My Genealogy Hound

John F. Adams, bridge contractor and practical blacksmith, is a resident of New Haven, and a native of Virginia, born in 1839. His parents, George and Nancy (Anderson) Adams, were also natives of Virginia, where they were reared, married, and where the father died in 1847. The mother is still living. Our subject was reared by the filial care of a mother, and secured a fair education in the common schools. In 1859 he went to St. Louis, and from there to Louisiana, Mo., where he worked at his trade. He made a trip to his home in 1860, but soon returned to Louisiana at about the time of the breaking out of the late war. He espoused the Union cause, and, in August, 1861, enlisted in Company H, of Henderson’s brigade, and after about five months’ service (the time of enlistment) be re-enlisted February, 1862, in Company C. Third Missouri Cavalry, and remained in service in Arkansas and Missouri until March, 1865. participating in all the engagements in which his command took part. He was captured at Centerville, Mo., just before Christmas, 1863, and held a prisoner four days, when he was retaken by his command. He was discharged at Macon City, in March, 1865, after which he returned to Louisiana, Mo., and resumed his trade. In 1866 he wedded Miss Martha C, a native of Indiana, and the daughter of John S. and Elizabeth Tipton. 8even children were born to this union, only one now living, viz.—Ida R. In 1878 our subject left Louisiana and came to New Haven, where he has since made his home. He continued blacksmithing until about 1882, since which time he has engaged in contracting and building bridges for the county and for various railroad companies. He also runs his shop by employees. In 1880 he was chairman of the board of town trustees, and this was followed by three terms as mayor of the city. He has been a Republican in politics since the war, and cast his first presidential vote for S. A. Douglas. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., a member of the G. A. R., has taken one degree in Masonry, and belongs to the Baptist Church. Mr. Adams learned his trade in early life, and has followed it more or less ever since.