John Strong Adams

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Quick Facts

Biography

John Strong Adams grew up in Randalstown, County Antrim, Ireland, with his parents, Thomas and Ann Adams, and several siblings. His father studied for a year at the University of Edinburgh, worked as an apothecary, and owned a shop. He was likely member or sympathizer of the United Irishmen. His first cousin was Mary (Adams) Bones, wife of James Bones, and mother of John Bones. Following his father’s death in 1793, John, with his mother and siblings, inherited a share of his father’s property in Randalstown. He arrived in South Carolina by 1799 and was naturalized five years later.

John met his wife, Sarah, while clerking for her uncle Christopher Fitzsimons. They made their home in Charleston and called it Adams and Eve’s Paradise. They were happy in their life together, having many comforts. They built a house on Laurens Street in 1808, a “mansion house” of wood, with a brick kitchen, a wooden coach house, a wash house, and a garden.

He was merchant in Charleston. He and his partner had a license to distill liquor. He leased and sold ships, imported goods, and participated in the slave trade.

John and Sarah visited his family in Randalstown on at least two occasions. On their second trip, John fell sick and died. He was buried in his father’s grave. A memorial for John was placed in Cottage Cemetery.