James along with his brother Robert inherited the family plantation in Goochland County, Virginia after their mother’s death. James sold land to Henry Harris in 1771 recorded in Goochland but stating all were residents of Albemarle County at the time. In 1744 Goochland County had been divided and Albemarle formed.

Researchers claim that during the Revolutionary War James made a Public Service Claim. There is a Public Service Claim during Dunmore’s War in 1774 for James Adams for supplies and service during the Expedition under company command of Captain William Leftwich. The claim is in Bedford county which had taken in a portion of Albemarle County. In 1777, Albemarle County was divided and Fluvanna County established.

The family consisted of twelve children, seven which were males. Of these six provided service during the Revolutionary War. Only Charles remained at home being about 12 years of age. Certainly James and Cecily provided more than their share in the name of patriotism. The family was in Fluvanna when British forces marched through the county and destroyed the Point of Fork Arsenal in 1781.

There was some dispute over the payment of one of James’ last deed transactions with a William Rowe in 1787.Two years later James Adams will was presented in Fluvanna County Court. He wrote his will without witnesses. James left both slaves and land to each son accept for James, Jr. who received only slaves. Each daughter received one slave. Sons Thomas and Robert entered into bond and William, Charles, and Richard acted as security for the estate. The will was probated 1 October 1789.

After James death wife Cecily approved and acknowledged the transaction with William Rowe resolving earlier disputes. James estate was in court for several years. In 1793 the commission for widow dower was approved. On October 2, 1794 a motion was received to lay off part of the land devised to her by her late husband. William Payne, Ellen Bernard and John Harden acted as surveyors. It is not known how much longer Cecily lived after she lost her husband.

John Adams, born in Albemerle County , Virginia. In 1793 he was recommended as Captain of the 1st Battalion Militia in Fluvanna County.

Richard Adams, born Abt. 1762 in Albemerle County, Virginia; married Susannah Dawson 13 August 1786 in Amherst County, Virginia. In 1793 he was recommended Lt. Of the 1^st Battalion Militia in Fluvanna County, Virginia. He removed to Casey County, Kentucky in 1811.

Charles Adams, born about 1764 in Albemerle County, Virginia; died 1835 in Lincoln County, Kentucky; married Mary Dawson 18 August 1786 in Amherst County, Virginia.