Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885
Chapman Bros.
Chicago, IL
Reproduced on CD purchased from "Old Glory Accents"

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page(s)779-780

Robert Adams, farmer on section 13, Sterling Township, is the youngest son of Van J. Adams, one of the pioneers of 1836 of Whiteside County. The latter was a native of Ross Co., Ohio, where he was born in December, 1803. He was brought up to the business of a miller, which he abandoned at 19 years of age and passed ten years as a teacher. He was married Oct. 28, 1828, to Mary A. Ritchie, a native of Ohio. On their removal to Whiteside County they located on a farm east of Sterling, where the father resided as long as he lived. He became wealthy, and his abilities made him prominent in the local and general affairs of the county and State. He served one term as a member of the Legislature of Illinois, but declined further preferment. He died April 29, 1871, from the effects of an accident. His wife died in August of the same year. Their children were named Mattthew R., Maria P., Josiah Q., Francis W., Jay H., and Robert.

The latter was born in Sterling Township, Aug. 1, 1850. He obtained his elementary education at the common schools and afterward attended the college at Wheaton two years. After leaving school, Mr. Adams formed a partnership with J. W. R. Stombaugh in the sale of paints and oils at Sterling; and after operating in this joint relation two years, Mr. Adams sold out and bought the livery establishment and interests of Frank Maynard, associated with Henry H. Hoover. After operating four years, Mr. Adams became the proprietor of the entire business by buying the interests of his associate. After two years he severed his connection with the livery business by selling out. In December, 1881, he returned to the old homestead and has since carried on the farm of his father, in company with his brother. He is a Republican in his political principles.

Mr. Adams was married June 17, 1873, to Julia M., daughter of D. W. And Mary E. Lewis, in Sterling. Her parents came to Whiteside County in 1862. They settled in Sterling until 1880, when they went to Minnesota. Their children were four in number, and were named Isabella M., Julia M., Emma C. and Martin R. Mrs. Adams was born July 3, 1853, in Bradford Co., Pa. To her and her husband four children have been born, named Eva E. Mary., Robert H. and Van J. Mrs. Adams is a communicant in the Episcopal Church. Her sister Isabella is the wife of William Lindley and resides in Iowa. Emma married E. H. Reynolds, of Rochelle, Ill., and is now deceased. Martin lives at Albert Lea, Minn.

Matthew R. Adams is a resident of Rock Falls. Maria P. married Edmund Bowman, of Sterling. Josiah Q. died in November, 1860. Frances married W. F. Eastman, of Sterling, and died Feb. 25, 1877. Jay H. Is a member of the law firm of Wilson & Adams, of La Fayette, Ind.