My Genealogy Hound

JOHN ADAMS, an influential citizen of Lower Saucon Township, is practically retired from active business cares, and is enjoying life on his well improved farm near Bingen. Among his neighbors and friends he bears a high reputation for honesty and fidelity of purpose, and on several occasions they have urged his acceptance of local official positions. He has frequently been sent as a delegate to Republican State Conventions, has twice been a candidate for Sheriff, and has once been the candidate for nomination to the State Senatorship. In every instance he ran ahead of his ticket from one thousand to fifteen hundred votes, and this, too, in a Democratic district. In his business career he was very successful, and displayed ability as a financier.

The gentleman of whom we write comes from one of the old families of this region, his ancestors having been relatives of President Adams. His great-grandfather came to Bucks County in a very early day, and died within its limits. His grandfather, John Adams, who was a farmer by occupation, was born in Bucks County, and on his demise was placed to rest in the Durham Township Cemetery. He married Catherine White, by whom he had the following children: John, who wedded a Miss Case of New Jersey, was a farmer and lumberman, and met his death by drowning in the Delaware River, when about fifty years of age. Jacob, who married a Miss Uley, followed agricultural pursuits in New York State and in Indiana, his death occurring at South Bend. Henry, the third son, was our subject’s father. Daniel, who followed farming, wedded a Miss Jacoby. The daughters were, respectively, Mrs. Factertall, Mrs. Overbeck, Mrs. Jutt and Susan Richley. For his first wife Samuel Adams married a Miss Raup, and his second wife was in maidenhood Miss Knect. He was Deputy Sheriff at one time, and afterward served as Sheriff. For a number of years he kept a tavern in Easton, and was a prominent man in both the political and business affairs of that place, where his death occurred. John was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Henry Adams, the father of our subject, was a succe ssful agriculturist, and a very active supporter of the Whig party. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a true and patriotic citizen, and a jovial and pleasant companion. In religion he held membership with the German Reformed Church. His wife was formerly Elizabeth Bitts, and two sons and two daughters were born of their union. John, the eldest son, is the subject of this sketch. Samuel, the youngest, is now in Cuba, where he is President of a railroad. He has made his home in Cuba for the past two years. Prior to this he was Assistant Superintendent of the Bethlehem Steel Works, where he proved himself to be a man of exceptional ability. Hannah, the surviving sister, is the wife of William Greaver, a farmer of Springfield, Bucks County. Catherine, now deceased, was the wife of Levi Reigel, of Lower Saucon Township.

The birth of John Adams occurred in Durham Township, Bucks County, September 18, 1829. In his boyhood he attended the public schools of his district, and assisted his father in the work of the farm until after attaining his majority. When about twenty-eight years old he purchased a flouring-mill in Lebigh County, which he operated until about fifteen years ago. In 1864 he began taking out ore on contract for the Bethlehem Iron Company and the Hokendauqua Company, and to this line of work devoted his energies for the next fifteen years. Having acquired a comfortable competence, amply sufficient for his remaining years, he then invested a portion of it in the farm, on which his time has since been passed. His place is kept up in a thrifty manner, has good improvements upon it, and is one of the best in the township.

September 12, 1855, Mr. Adams married Miss Louisa Rufe, a native of Durham Township, and daughter of Samuel Rufe. One child, a daughter, Catherine, came to bless their union. She married T. A. Nolf, a farmer of Center Valley, and has become the mother of two children, Laura Attila and John Adams. Mrs. Louisa Adams was called from this life March 11, 1880, and was buried in the cemetery of Durham Township. Mr. Adams’ present wife was formerly Mrs. Catherine Keck, their union having been celebrated May 21, 1881. She is a daughter of Jesse Klein, a well known citizen of Allen Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Lutheran Church, and have hosts of warm friends in the neighborhood of their home. Mr. Adams’ first Presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont, and from that time up to the present he has been a loyal supporter of the Republican party.