Skip to main content

Adams, James Devereaux, 1838-1911

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: November 1837 - May 13 1911

Biography

James Devereaux Adams was born 1838 in Johnston County North Carolina, the 3rd of 9 known surviving children (5 boys, 4 girls) born to farmers Sidney Adams (circa 1807-after 1880) and his wife, Louiza "Eliza" Garland (circa 1820-after 1900.)

James grew up in Johnston County, and was a merchant and farmer in Clayton. On February 18, 1874, the 36-year old married 34-year old widow, Eveline Poole Sturdivant. Eveline came to the marriage with 3 daughers from her (1st) marriage. The couple would become parents to 3 known children:

* Ellen "Ella" Blanche Adams(1874-1936) * Ernest D. Adams (1876-1922) * Ambrosia "Brosia" McKee Adams (1888-1929)

James died May 13, 1911 at age 73. His obituary appeared in the local paper:

May 19, 1911 Last Saturday afternoon, one of Clayton's oldest citizens died at his home after a long illness -- Mr. J. D. Adams. He has suffered with paralysis for quite a while and now he is resting where this is no pain. He was a member of the Methodist church and had served his Lord and Master well. He leaves a wife and several children and a host of friends. The family have our deepest sympathy.

In the 1850 census he is recorded living in the household of Sidney and Eliza Adams with his presumptive siblings; 17-year-old Julia, 15-year-old David, himself recorded as 13-year-old "Devereaux", 11-year-old Troy, 7-year-old Altaney, 5-year-old Franklin and 2-year-old Elizabeth.