John J. Adams farmer, section 21, the second child in a family of eight, was born in Edgar County, Illinois, November 17, 1836, his ancestors having been natives of Kentucky. His father, Jacob T. Adams, went to Illinois when 13 years of age, and there he was married to Miss Sarah Cunningham, daughter of James Cunningham, a native of Virginia. John J. Adams was reared and educated in his native county, and in 1855, near his parents' home, and in 1858, came west.

He made a number of trips across the plains to Denver, Utah Territory, etc., and continued the freighting business till the spring of 1866, being a part of the time in Holt County. Since 1866, he has made this county his home, and in 1873, he located on his farm, where he has since resided.

His farm contains 200 acres. Mr. A. was married to Marila Leech, October 21, 1877. She was born in Fremont County, Iowa, October 27, i860. They have two children: Sallie and Charlie.

Source: "History of Holt and Atchison Counties, 1882" transcribed by Karyn.