[186] of Charlestown 8 Mar. 1795 (d. 13 Oct. 1800); Susanna, b. 10, bapt. 12 Apr. 1778, m. George Prentice, Jr., 7 June, 1804 (d. 29 June, 1860). Capt. William was a Pct. committeeman and assessor 1773, 1774; Precinct treasurer, 1783, 1784; and resided in the old Adams House which formerly stood near the railroad depot. See Wyman's Chas., p. 7. 5. John, s. of Thomas (2), m. two wives [first, Joanna Munroe of Lexington 9 July, 1770, d. 26 Nov. 1822 (Locke Book, 48). She was born, according to his bible, 12 Apr. 1747; their chil. were born, John, 27 Apr. 1771; Live (or Levi), 31 Dec. 1773; Joanna, 18 June, 1775; Jonas, 8 Apr. 1777; James, 10 June, 1779; Rebecca, 22 Feb. 1781; Water-Russell 5 Apr. 1783; Betsey, 30 Oct. 1785; Polly, 25 Jan. 1789.] John the father lived the greater part of his life in Ashburnham, and d. at Harford, Pa., 26 Feb. 1849, a. 104 years, 1 mo. 4 days. Some letters written by him at the age of 102 were published.
[The last days of this venerable man are described in two letters of his son, James Adams, to the late Dr. Benjamin Cutter, of Woburn, Mass. In one dated at Harford, Pa., 27 Dec. 1848, he says of his father at that date: ‘The greatest trouble he has is in conversing with people, he is so deaf; he thinks it a burden for people to converse with him. I presume there have been hundreds call to see him since he was an hundred years old, on account of seeing a man over a hundred years old. I got a petition sent to Congress to see if I could get something for services that he had done in the Revolutionary War; he had been out long enough—though not at one time—to draw a pension by law; three months was the longest time he was out, but the time was out before there was another call; he had a man that lived with him that went three months; while he was gone there was another call, and he turned out himself—the time that Burgoyne surrendered. He was not in the battle at Lexington, but was there the next day: he went to Cambridge and stayed until there were a sufficient number enlisted to guard the place and then returned home * * * * he stated the time in his own handwriting and gave oath to it. Hon Isaac Hill, from New Hampshire, called and made us a visit last fall; he told my father that he should go to Washington this winter, and he would do what he could for him, if he lived to that time; if it should so happen that you should see Mr. Hill before he goes to Washington, please to tell him that my father is now living.’ The second letter, dated at Harford, 21 Mar. 1849, contains the following: ‘I received your letter of Feb. 15. The day that my father died, I got him up in the morning and dressed him as usual; he eat his breakfast; I thought that he did not appear as he had done before, but still he appeared to be comfortable. I read the letter that you sent me; “Well, James,” says he, “what a fine thing it is to have friends, and I hope they don't think I have suffered for anything, for you have always helped me to everything for my comfort: tell my friends, I thank them kindly for the present they sent me.” This was about ten o'clock. After noon I thought I would ask him those questions that you wrote. I asked him if he remembered what my grandfather's third wife's maiden name was; he thought a minute, then says, “It appears to me that my memory is all gone, but I think her name was Sanders. ” I put more questions, but did not get an answer; then he appeared to go to sleep in his chair, as he often did; about half past 3, I asked if he had not better lie down; says he, “I think I will.” I helped him to bed, and he appeared to go to sleep; he never spoke after that; at eight o'clock in the evening his breath left his body without a groan, or the least motion that could be perceived. His age was one hundred and four years, one month and four days. My dear friend, I return you my sincere thanks for the respect you have shown me and my deceased father.’]
