JAMES ADAMSON

JAMES ADAMSON, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Washington Township. He was a native of England, and was born December 1, 1856. His parents are David and Jennette (McCuen) Adamson, who had eight other children -- Elizabeth, David, William, Alexander, Jessie (deceased), Jennie, Isabel, and Mary (deceased). The father and mother are both natives of Scotland. They came to America in 1860, and have lived in several different States and large cities, where Mr. Adamson worked at his trade, that of a machinist. James Adamson remained with his father until he was nineteen years old, working on the farm and attending school. He then rented land and began life for himself: After renting for six years he purchased 120 acres in Washington Township; in 1884 he bought eighty acres more, making 200 acres in all, which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Adamson was united in marriage December 25, 1878, to Miss Sarah J. Roundy, the daughter of Washington and Alvira (Williams) Roundy. She is a native of Shelby County, and was born April 25, 1855. Mr. Adamson carried on general farming, giving especial attention to raising of live-stock. His political convictions were voiced by the Democratic party. He served four years as township treasurer, and was filling the office at the time of his death. He had also served as school director. He was public-spirited and contributed liberally to all enterprises tending to advance the standing of the community. His death occurred April 3, 1889, after an illness of only five days. He leaves a wife and four children to mourn his loss, and a vacancy in the community that cannot easily be filled. Mr. and Mrs. Adamson's children are -- Myrtle A., born October 28, 1879; Edmond W. and Eldred N., twins, born February 2, 1883; and William G., born February 10, 1887.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 621-622. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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