Person:Robert Adams (49)

download PDF "His origin is not positively known. … Mr. Coffin was mistaken in naming Archelaus among his sons. The Archelaus who has been classed as such, was a son of Lieut. John Adams, who was a son of 'William of Ipswich.' That he was equally mistaken in assuming that Robert Adams came from Devonshire, there is fair ground for belief."

"Robert (Adams), Salem 1638, a tailor, by one tradit. brot. from Devonsh. by ano. prob. of equal value, from the far distant Holderness in Co. York, had first liv. two or three yrs. at Ipswich, says Coffin, and had bef. com. over two ch. John and Joanna, and at Salem had Abraham, b. 1639, rem. to Newbury 1640, and had Isaac, a. 1648; Jacob, 23 Apr. 1649, wh. d. soon; and Hannah, 25 June 1650; Jacob, again, 13 Sept. 1651; beside, Eliz. Mary, and youngest Archelaus, of wh. some were b. bef. 1648. His w. Elinor d. 12 June 1677; and he m. 6 Feb. 1678, Sarah, wid. of Henry Short, wh. surv. to 24 Oct. 1697, he d. 12 Oct. 1682, aged 80. Joanna m. 4 Jan. 1654, Launcelot Granger; Eliz. m. Edward Phelps, of Andover; Mary m. 15 Nov. 1660, Jeremiah Goodrich; and Hannah m. 10 Feb. 1682, William Warham. His will of 7 Mar. 1681, with confirmat. of 27 June 1682, pro. 28 Nov. next, calls John eldest, but declares Abraham Excor. and names other ch. Isaac, Jacob, Hannah, Joanna, Eliz. and Mary, the three last being m. beside the gr.ch. viz. three s. of Abraham, and his d. Mary. He left good est. See Geneal. Reg. IX. 126."

"Adams, … Robert, [died] Oct. 12, [1682. (copy of vital records made by Henry Short about 1690.)] [a. 86 y. (gravestone record, Oldtown Cemetery.)]"

The gravestones pictured as part of this memorial appear to have been placed well after the fact. In addition, the information given in the narrative should be treated with some degree of skepticism since credible evidence as to its accuracy is lacking.

"It is disputed by Savage whether Robert Adams came to New England from Devonshire or Yorkshire. In the parochial records of baptisms at Ottery St. Mary, Devonshire, I found the following:
'1602 - December - Robert Adams the sone of Peter Adams was baptized the xxii^th day.'
This would agree with the probable date of his birth. Savage says he died Oct. 12, 1682, aged 80 years."
[Note: see Source:England. Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, here.]

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A second older Cenotaph of Robert Adams in Byfield

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To be buried according to the disposing of Executors. Loving wife Sarah confirmed in the agreement I made with her before marriage, and having allowed her the annuity belonging to her by the will of her former husband [Henry Short] which she hath reserved to her own proper use, I do allow it to her, and her right not to be questioned; also I give her my great chest, and the highest chair in the room wherein we live; both which she is to restore again at her death, or if she shall marry again; also all the money I leave, and not to be accountable to any one; to live and dwell in the house, enjoying the parlor wholly for one year. To eldest son John Adams (besides what has been giuen him) £20, to be paid by Executor within twelve months. To son Isaac Adams £5 by the year during life, in good merchantable pay; as English corn, pork, beef and such like; also my wearing clothes, and the bed in the north garret, and all the furniture belonging to it, and the least brass pot and bothooks, and liberty to make use of the said garret during life, unless he marry, then he shall leave it. To son Jacob Adams the house he lives in and the land adjoining to it as now fenced in; also all my meadow in the Neck on the south side of Newbury river. To daughter Hannah Adams, £20 within a year. To Joanna her child the bed and furniture to it in the parlor, and the bigger brass pot, and the chest and chair which is formerly mentioned, when returned-- to have said legacy when full eighteen years of age or be married. To daughter Elizabeth, wife of Edward Phelps, one cow. To daughter Joanna, wife of Launcelott Granger, one cow. To daughter Mary, wife of Jeremiah Goodridge, one cow. To the three sons of my son Abraham, viz.: Robert, Abraham and Isaac, each a gun, and to the two elder, each a sword. All the rest of effects to son Abraham Adams. Lands after his death to go to his eldest son Robert, also the great brass kettle, tables, andirons, and spit. Son Abraham and his son Robert to be joint Executors of will. Son Abraham to have full power to act alone as Executor till his son Robert be of age. And though I appoint Robt. Adams my heir after his father, Mary wife of said Abraham not t o be debarred any just claim if left a widow. Further: To daughter Joanna Granger my pewter tankard, and a pewter bowl. To Mary daughter of son Abraham, a box with a lock and key, and six diaper knapkins. If Robert, son of son Abraham come into possession by reversion of my lands, he shall giue to either of his two brothers now in being, viz: Abraham and Isaac, £20 apiece. Loving friends Mr. John Woodbridge and Mr. Nicolas Noyes, both of Newbury to be overseers of this my will, and I give them two of the best wethers I have, to either of them one. Signed and sealed the 7th of March, 1680 ROBERT ADAMS In presence of John Woodbridge, Nicholas Noyes. On review of this my will, do ratify and confirm it, with that little addition in the article to my son Isaac. This 27th of June 1682. Witness Jno. Woodbridge, Nicholas Noyes. ROBERT ADAMS
Proved at Salem, 28; 9mo. '82
Inventory:--Orchard, dwelling-house, barn, &c., with 80 acres upland, 60 acres meadow and freehold £600. Live stock £94. Furniture, &c., £222, 17s. -- total £916, 17s.

link "In the parochial record of baptisms of Ottery St. Mary, Devonshire, I found the following:

1602 - December - Robert Adams the sone of Peter Adams was baptized the xxiith day.

This would agree with the probably date of his birth. Savage says he died Oct. 12, 1682, aged 80 years."

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