While documentation is scant this compiler believes that Robert Adams arrived on the voyage of April 1622 to help with the rebuilding of Martin’s Hundred. Martin’s Hundred was attacked by the Powhatans who destroyed almost everything that had been built by the settlers who had sailed from England on the Guift of God. Only two houses and a portion of the established church remained after the uprising. For some time it was assumed all were lost. However later reports show that a few escaped and that at least 15 or more women were captured. Some were released in the next couple of years. Approximately twenty persons returned to Martin’s Hundred to rebuild and others soon followed to assist.

If it was not hardship enough that most were destroyed the company lost nineteen people in 1623 to disease as well. With so few active almost immediately Robert Adams was picked to represent the community. He was listed as a James City County Burgess from James Island in 1623. The House of Burgess was the forerunner of the Virginia General Assembly. The Burgesses were elected representatives from the shires and would be roughly the equivalent of a Delegate today.

Robert Adams [Addams] worked as a team with Augustine Leak. Augustine Leak also came to America on the Bona Nova but it is unknown if the two gentleman came during the same voyage. Leak’s wife arrived later on the ship George. But there is no such listing for a Mrs. Adams.

The pair did have two houses, the second probably built when Leak’s wife Winifred came over in 1623. According to the muster list they shared a servant. Their neighbor was William Harwood who arrived after the massacre as well. Harwood had three houses and six servants and became the settlement leader. Robert and Augustine had six muskets between them with no spare parts.

On January 11^th, 1626 Robert Adams was once again presented at General court this time for drunkenness. Adams posted bond of 300 pounds tobacco for subsequent good behavior and was censured.

In August 1626 while at William Harwood’s house Robert Adams overheard a man named Richard Crocker accuse Ralph Hamor of profiteering. Adams gave testimony and Crocker was condemned to a month in jail with his ears nailed to a board plus posting 300 pounds of tobacco as security for subsequent good behavior.

Robert gave bond again in March 1627 as security to act as administrator of Caleb Page, deceased along with Giles Allington. Between this last documented court record and the 21^st of January 1628 Robert Adams died. The only son attributed to Robert was William born circa 1627/8 at Martin’s Hundred. Mrs. Adams was either pregnant at the time of her husband’s demise or caring for an infant.