Goochland County was the first county created from the original eight shires of Virginia Colony. It was divided into parishes. St. James Northam had formed in 1744. The county stretched to the Blue Ridge Mountains along both sides of the James River and encompassed other later formed counties including Albemarle and Fluvanna.

When Robert Adams was 19 years old he enlisted, at Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia in the 7^th Virginia Regiment. His enlistment is dated February 1776. Robert served in Captain Matthew Jewett’s company under Colonel McGlenahan. He saw American defeat at the Battle of Germantown October 7, 1777. It is said that the Americans suffered 152 losses, 521 wounded, and over 400 captured during this historical battle. Adams was discharged the middle of February 1778 at Valley Forge just as the soldiers, who were camped there, were finally being furnished huts to live in with fireplaces to help keep them warm.

Upon his return to Virginia Robert married Lucy Williams at St. James, Northam, Goochland County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Phillip Williams. The marriage bond dated 20 April 1778 was signed by John Graves who stated that Robert was the son of "James of Albemarle County." Lucy’s father , William, also gave permission for his daughter to wed.

Fluvanna County, Virginia was formed in 1777 from Albemarle. After their marriage the family resided in what was a portion of the newly formed Fluvanna. A family register handed down by descendants through Solomon Adam’s family states that Solomon was born 4 May 1778 but subsequent records give varied ages for this first child of Robert and Lucy. A son Richard was born circa 1780 followed by Elizabeth in 1782.

Robert remained active with military duty first as an Ensign and then by court recommendation to the Governor of Virginia he become 1^st Lt. In the county Militia under Captain William Adams. Besides his military duties he, along with brother Thomas, became executors of their father James estate in 1789. And in September 1793 Robert was recommended as Captain of the 1^st Battalion Militia of Fluvanna county. At the same time brother Richard was Lt., brother John ensign and Thomas Captain.

Robert and his wife Lucy were involved in many land transactions between 1795 and 1802. About 1817 the family moved to newly formed Lawrence County, Ohio where he immediately became active in the community by being appointed as Clerk of Elections. The new counties first election was held April 7^th, 1817.

In 1819 Robert Adams filed for a military pension in Lawrence County. He gave his age as 62 years old stating that within his household was his wife [Lucy] and a granddaughter 11 years old [not named]. Continued documentation on August 9, 1820 stated that he is then 64 years old with no income, 4 small shouts, 1 plough, 2 old split bottom chairs, 1 iron pot broken, and 1 set of knives and forks bought with pension money. He concluded by saying that his infirmities were such as to prevent ½ days labor. His pension was granted. Robert lived 19 more years dying 14 March 1839 in Lawrence County, Ohio at the age of 82. No record has been located by this researcher concerning the death of Lucy.

Richard Adams, born about 1780; married Frances Murrel Creedle 08 September

1817 in Lawrence County, Ohio. Richard appears on the 1818 Lawrence County, Ohio tax duplicate. In 1828 Richard brought a suit against William Ward for $50.00 damages which went to trial. The jury could not agree on a verdict. A second jury awarded Adams $23.00 in damages. In 1834 Richard received a patent in section 22 of township 1 range 16 SE SE for 40 acres. In 1847 Richard Adams was administrator for the estate of George Hardy and in 1851 he acted as administrator for the estate of William M. Suitor, Sr. Richard Adams died prior to 1864. Known issues: Amos and Josiah.

Elizabeth Adams, born about 1782; married William Ellis 06 February 1810 in Gallia County, Ohio.

Nancy Adams born about 1784 married Caleb Wilshire 04 March 1828 in Lawrence County, Ohio.

             *Solomon Adams born 04 May 1778 in Fluvanna County VA; died 01 Oct 1856 in Lawrence County, Ohio.

12/29/2004