John Q. Adams. The gentleman of whom this sketch is written is one of the prominent residents of Bird Township, residing on section 16, where he has a fine farm adorned with handsome buildings. He is the youngest in a family of ten children. His father, Horatio Adams, and his mother Siopha Muier, were natives of Kentucky. He was born in Bird Township, January 13, 1842, and here he grew to manhood, receiving an ordinary district school education and being trained in all the duties of a truly manly character.
Devotion to country was not one of the least of the virtues which were instilled by his parents and when the time came that our nation was in peril, this brave boy responded to her call and enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty second Illinois Infantry. He was about twenty-one years old when he enlisted and he served until August 4 of that year. He took part in the conflicts of Nashville, Tenn., Parker’s Cross Roads, Tupelo, Miss., Town Creek, Ala., and the siege and capture of Mobile, and many smaller engagements.
Notwithstanding his willingness to fight for his nation’s honor, this young hero hailed with delight a return to the joys of home and the delights of peace. After his discharge he returned to Bird Township, which he has always made his home and where he has engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. Two hundred and thirty-seven acres are comprised within the boundaries of Mr. Adams’ farm, and upon it he has erected excellent and commodious farm buildings.
The marriage of John Q. Adams with Parthena Comer, a daughter of Aaron Comer, took place in Bird Township, September 27, 1867. This lady was born in this township, September 17, 1848. Ten children came to call her mother, namely: Eva M., who is the wife of Thomas Chiles; Etta L., who married Albert Loveless, and eight little ones who died in infancy. Mrs. Parthena Adams was called away from earth November 15, 1885. She was a devout member of the Baptist Church and a faithful wife and mother. the second marriage of Mr. Adams was solemnized in McLean County, September 5, 1889, and he was then united with Mrs. Amanda (Purvis) Hoblitt, a daughter of Allen and Angeline Purvis, and the widow of Francis M. Hoblitt, who died in Florida, January 28, 1883. Mrs. Amanda Adams was born in Tennessee, March 24, 1843, and she became the mother of six children by Mr. Hoblit: Dora A., William A., Aurilla M., John E., Kate and James A. The citizens of this township have twice shown their appreciation of Mr. Adams and their confidence in his educational views, by placing him upon the Board of School Directors and he has been serving in that capacity for nine years. The farming interests are dear to him and he has identified himself as a member of the Farmers’ Mutual Benefit Association, believing that this is the best organization for protecting the rights of the agricultural people. The Baptist church receives the loyal allegiance of our subject and in it he is a power for good.