Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2012, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Biographical History of Genesee County, Michigan Author: H.H. Bennett Publisher: B. F. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, IN., 1908. Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Page 210 - 211 JAY ADAMS Mr. Jay Adams, of 302 West Third avenue, Flint, was born in Fenner, Madison county, New York, August 27, 1825. His parents were Colonel James Adams, of Jefferson county, New York, and Sarah (Parks) Adams, of the Mohawk river district. James Adams was a colonel in the New York Cavalry and at the close of the war of 1812 was in the service at Sacket's Harbor. In 1831 the family removed to Livingston county, New York, but in 1836 came on to Michigan, taking up their quarters in Grand Blanc township, Genesee county. It was thought at that time the village of Grand Blanc would be- come the county seat, and Mr. Adams procured land within two miles of the town. He cleared up quite a large farm and there he passed the remainder of his days, dying at the age of seventy-four years. He was a Democrat and an active worker, but did not aspire to public office. In 1837 he brought to the Flint mills the first grist raised west of Grand Blanc, as his was one of the first farms in that section to be improved. There was no settle- ment in the vicinity at that time, but one and one-half miles north of Grand Blanc stood a large building, built in 1832, called Whigville, it being expected to become the county seat. Flint at that time was only an Indian trading post. Ten children were born to these parents, all but one of whom reached --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAGE 211 maturity. Three of these were still living in 1907. These are Jay, our subject; Charles, of Grand Blanc, and Laura, wife of Smith Hardy, now liv- ing in Ohio. Others of the children were John, who was a farmer, living on the old homestead; he died in the winter of 1906, aged sixty years. Dorr died in 1857 when still a young man. Adelia was married to Adson Beach. After Mr. Beach's death she went to California, was married there and later passed to rest in that locality. Charlotte married Rev. Orrin Whitmore, a Methodist minister, and died in Grand Blanc. Melissa was married to Albert Torrey, of the Torrey settlement in Flint township. She died near Flint, also. Jay remained at home on the farm, assuming charge of the place until his father's death, having in the meantime built upon it a new home. In the division of the farm he received two hundred and forty acres, including the old homestead. He remained on the farm until about 1872, at which time he removed to Holly and engaged in the handling of stock. In 1881 he removed to Flint, continuing in the stock business, and for three years conducted a meat market. On November 12, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Ann Hardy, daughter of Francis and Dorcus (Smith) Hardy, of Howell, New York. She was born in New York state and came to Michigan at the age of six years. She grew to maturity near Howell. She is a sister of Smith Hardy, who became the husband of Mr. Adam's sister. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have become the parents of eight children, five of whom died in childhood, and one, Frank H., was called hence at the age of seventeen. James B. Allen, the third child, lives at home. Sarah D. is living at home also. She has been for twelve years bookkeeper for the Randall Lumber Company. Mr. Adams is a Democrat, but has never aspired to public office. He has devoted his time largely to the business of handling stock, and has made many interesting ventures. During the war time he bought four hundred head of horses at one purchase for the cavalry service. He enjoys fishing and endeavors to throw a ray of sunshine across the pathway of his friends, making life all the happier for those whose fortune it is to know him. ==========================================================================