Person:Henry Adams (73)

Son of Charles Adams, Sr. His father Charles was one of the early settlers of what later became known as Wilkes County. The exact location of Henry's home in Wilkes County is not known, however, some of his neighbors were James Hager, John Robins, Thomas Hopper, and Philemon Crane. The 1787 North Carolina Census and the 1790 Federal Census confirm the fact that Henry lived on Reddies River and reared his family there. He must have lived a rather serene, uneventful life as there are very few records that give information about his activities. Not even a marriage bond has been found. Since the 1782 Tax List confirms the fact that Henry was not married as of this date, and since the 1787 census confirms the fact that he was the head of his household with three children, we can assume with reasonable assurance that Henry married ca. 1783-84, most likely in Wilkes County, to Suzanna (last name unknown). Suzanna must have lived to be 80 or 90 because she was attempting to receive a widow's pension in 1844. Henry Adams Will In the name of God, Amen. I, Henry Adams, of the County of Wilkes and State of North Carolina, being in a low state of Health, but of a sound and perfect mind and memory, calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament. Which is to say, first, I recommend my soul unto God who gave it, and my body to the earth, believing that at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same by the mighty power of God. And as touching my worldly estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with, I distribute it in the manner and form following . . . to wit: 1. I want all my just debts paid. 2. My Will and desire is that my dearly beloved wife Susannah Adams keep the land whereon I now live, and all my moveable property. To have it as her own, to trade it, or convert it to any use that is towards the benefit of her family that is now living with her in supporting them during her lifetime, or widowhood, that she thinks proper, and at her decease all the moveable property that she is possessed with at that time to be equally divided amongst the children that is now living (with) me, which is as followeth; Sarah, Fanny, Susannah, and Deborah all which is my beloved children. 3. My Will and desire is that Elizabeth Bullis, one of my grandchildren to have one bed and furniture, and one cow out of my property when I decease, which is now laid off to her. In witness whereof, I the said Henry Adams do make and ordain this as my Last Will and Testament revoking all other Wills heretofore being made in witmess whereof I the said, Henry Adams have herunto set my hand and seal this Twenty first day of January in the year of our Lord, 1821. Signed, sealed, and delivr'd in the presence of us (s) X (John Judd) S/ X (Henry Adams) (s) X (John Holdway) N.B. I, Henry Adams do appoint by trusty friend Charles Adams as Executor of this . . . my Last Will and Testament. January 21, 1821. (Wilkes County Courthouse, Will Book 4, pg. 26)