(The grave of this member of the Unites States Army was VANDALIZED by adults. This man, as well as at least two other men buried here, PROUDLY volunteered to serve in the United States Army and defend the UNION during the Civil War. They put their lives on the line to defend the Union and help provide us with the freedoms we have today, lived out their lives in the Eureka community, continuing to strive to provide better lives for their families and the people of the community, died and were buried here. The GOVERNMENT provided these VETERANS with GOVERNMENT issued soldiers stones, which were PROUDLY places on their graves and which stood PROUDLY over their graves for years and then some adults, who wanted the land the cemetery sat on for a golf course, and got tired of cutting around the graves and didn't want to be bothered any more decided to dig up the GOVERNMENT proved tombstones, or worse, break them off, and pitch these GOVERMENT proved tombstones of these VETERANS in a ravine. If children or teens had done this, we would have called this VANDALIZM!!! If adults decided to do it, it's OK. We should be ashamed of ourselves, to treat U.S. VETERANS graves this way, or allow it to happen, not to mention the way the graves of another 50 or so early Eureka area settlers were treated. These people all made UNFATHOMABLE sacrifices in the early 1800's to come to this area when they did for US, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and this is the way we treat their final resting place and honor them! Shame!! Shame!! Shame!! We should be ashamed of ourselves!!)
Private JOHN WILEY ADAMS, Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Wiley Adams was born on May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio the son of John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams. John Adams was born on May 7, 1794 in Becket, Massachusetts. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646. Ruth Manley was born on March 9, 1800 in Sandisfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, the daughter of Martin Manley (1776 - 1844) and Azuba (Hurd) Manley (1776 - 1846). Ruth and John Adams were married on October 21, 1819 in Portage County, Ohio. A number of children are believed to have been born to John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams, including;
1. Edwin Adams, born between 1820 and 1840 in Portage County, Ohio.
2. Chester Adams, born October 24, 1830 in Ohio. Chester Adams died on 13 Jan 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439171
3. Sally F. Adams/Ragan, born ___________ __, 18__.
4. John Wiley Adams, born May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio. See his biography below.
When John Wiley Adams was five years old, his father, John Adams Sr., died on January 22, 1842 and his father's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439167.
Ruth (Manley) Adams was then married on August 22, 1844 in Portage County, Ohio to Charles Regan/Ragan. Charles and Ruth had one daughter, Amanda M. Regan/Ragan, who was born c. 1845/46. At the time of the 1850 census, John W. Adams is found residing in the household of his mother and stepfather, Charles and Ruth Ryan, in Hiram Township in Portage County, Ohio;
Charles Regan M 58 New York
Ruth Regan F 50 Massachusetts
John W Adams M 14 Ohio
Charlotte Regan F 11 Ohio
Ralph Regan M 10 Ohio
Amanda M Regan F 4 Ohio
Charles Regan died on February 9, 1853 and Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan was then married to John P. Smith on September 21, 1854 in Portage County, Ohio. Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan Smith died on September 17, 1880 in Chardon, Geauga County, Ohio and her mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 76174546.
Now to continue with the biography of John Wiley Adams;
At this time, it is also not known when John W. Adams came to Illinois or even if other members of the family came with him. John W. Adams is known to have come to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County.
On August 9, 1862, John volunteered for service in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ADAMS, JOHN W
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity RAVANA, PORTAGE CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY JAN 28, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 men of the Woodford County company were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain of Co. A.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th marched out of Camp Lyon through the streets of Peoria to the railroad station where they boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located on the Ohio River across from Louisville. After several weeks of drilling, the men of the 86th were assigned to a Brigade being commanded by General Daniel McCook and they were sent into Kentucky to chase down the last Confederate troops in Kentucky.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCooks Brigade participated in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, a Union victory, which helped to drive the last Confederate troops out of Kentucky. McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they began a long period of garrison duty. During the winter of 1862/63, Pvt. Adams became quite ill and he was eventually sent north to an Army Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. On January 28, 1863, Pvt. John Wiley Adams was discharged from the service in hopes that he could return home and regain his health. John returned to Woodford County at this time and with the help of his family survived his illness.
John W. Adams was married to Lucinda Catherine Stewart on March 12, 1865 in Woodford County. Lucinda was born on January 6, 1847 in Warren County, Ohio the daughter of John Stewart & Catherine (Pifer) Stewart. Five children are known to have been born to John Adams and Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams, all in Eureka or the Eureka area. They are:
1. Eva Ruth Adams, born Jan. 19, 1866 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Eva Ruth was married to John Sheldon Adams (1855 - 1927) on March 7, 1883. The children born to Eva and John include;
A. Bert Harold Adams, born ___________ __, 1899. Bert died in 1970.
Eva Ruth (Adams) Adams died on December 13, 1949 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 11115746.
2. Infant Child who was born and died in 1867. This child is believed to have been laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois.
3. Francis R. "Frank" Adams; born Feb. 9, 1869; died March 4, 1881.
4. Charles Edward Adams, born Feb. 20, 1872; died July 15, 1949 in St. Peter, Minnesota
5. Bert Leon "Bertie" Adams, born Oct. 22, 1875 in Woodford County, Illinois. Bert was married to Bertha M. Sowards. Bertha was born c. December __, 1878 and at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha and her family are found in Lancaster Township (north half), Wells County, Indiana;
Albert Sowards Head M 47 Ohio
Tida M Sowards Wife F 39 Indiana
Bertha M Sowards Daughter F 22 Indiana
Ethel M Sowards Daughter F 19 Indiana
Clinton E Sowards Son M 17 Indiana
Willes J Sowards Son M 15 Indiana
Thomas J Sowards Son M 12 Indiana
Beatrice E Sowards Daughter F 8 Indiana
Vera Sowards Daughter F 4 Indiana
Bert and Bertha were the parents of 6 children, including;
A. Esther Abigail Adams, born June 22, 1902 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. Esther Abigail Adams was married on October 6, 1925 in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio to Floyd Nephi Ryhal, the son of Merton Ryhal and Anna Barrett.
Esther was a gradate of Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Warren, Ohio and worked as a registered nurse in Greenville Regional Hospital for many years. Esther Abigail (Adams) Ryhal died on 15 Aug 1988 in Delaware Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania and her mortal remains were laid in the Brookfield Cemetery in Brookfield, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #189125876.
B. Miles Gilford Adams, born August 13, 1904 in Indiana. Miles is found with the family in the 1910 and 1920 census records. Miles was married to Leona Jane Watkins on August 12, 1925 in Columbiana County, Ohio.
Two children are known to have been born to them;
a. Miles Gilford Adams Jr., born April 30, 1926 in Ohio. Miles Jr. was married to Leona Tinsley on October 7, 1950 in Trumbull County, Ohio. Lena Tinsley was born on ____________ __, 19__, the daughter of Walter Tinsley and Elizabeth Michael.
Four children were born to Miles and Leona, including
A. John of Southington, Ohio
B. Bill of Alexandria, Va.
C. Susan (Adams) Foster of Bradenton, Florida
D. Katie (Adams) Mullin of Green Lane, Pa.
Miles G. Adams Jr. died on 20 Aug 2011 at the age of 85 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida. See his Find A Grave Memorial #75371316.
b. Jacquelyn R. Adams, born c. 1930/31 in Ohio.
At the time of the 1930 census, Miles and his family are found residing in a home they own located at what is then identified as 1466 Central Parkway Avenue S.E. in the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Miles is a Grocery Manager;
Miles G. Adams 25 Ind
Leona Adams 25 Penn
Miles G. Adams Jr. 3 11/12 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Miles and his family are found residing on Arlington Road near the village of Newton Falls, in Newton Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Miles G Adams Head M 35 Indiana
Leona J Adams Wife F 35 Pennsylvania
Miles G Adams Son M 13 Ohio
Jacquelyn R Adams Daughter F 9 Ohio
C. Ruth D Adams, born ____________ __, 1909 in Ohio. Ruth D Adams was married on January 13, 1933 in Trumbull County, Ohio to Arlo H McConnell, the son of Roy McConnell and Leda McNeil.
Ruth Adams McConnell died on ____________ __, 1996 and her mortal remains were laid in the Braceville Center Cemetery in Newton Falls, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #186017109.
D. Donna Vera Adams, born c. 1914/15 in Ohio.
E. Harry Adams, stillborn in the Warren City Hospital on May 25, 1916. Harry's mortal remains were laid in the Warren City Cemetery in May 26, 1916.
F. Alma Clara Adams, born February 10, 1919 to B. L. Adams and Bertha M. Sowards in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. Alma died three days later on February 13, 1919 and her mortal remains were almost certainly laid in the Warren City Cemetery in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1910 census, Bert, Bertha and their family are found in Southington, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert Adams Head M 34 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 31 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 8 Indiana
Miles Adams Son M 5 Indiana
Ruth Adams Daughter F 0 Ohio
At the time of the 1920 census, Bert and his family are found residing on West Market Street in Ward 3 of the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Bert is working as a Janitor in the 2nd National Bank;
B L Adams Head M 44 Illinois
Bertha May Adams Wife F 41 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 17 Indiana
Miles G Adams Son M 15 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 10 Ohio
Donna Vera Adams Daughter F 5 Ohio
Walter Patton Roomer M 27 Ireland
Chauncey Eppley Roomer M 25 Ohio
At the time of the 1930 census, Bert and his family are found in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Osbert Adams Head M 54 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 51 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 20 Ohio
Donna Adams Daughter F 16 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Bert and Bertha are found in Ward 5, Warren City, Warren Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert L Adams Head M 65 Illinois
Bertha M Adams Wife F 61 Indiana
Bert Leon Adams died on April 29, 1951 in Trumbull County, Ohio and his mortal remains were laid in the Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #195307503. Bertha M. (Sowards) Adams died on 31 Mar 1972 in Lincoln, Middlesex, Massachusetts and her mortal remains were laid in the _______________________ Cemetery in ______________, _______________.
Private John Wiley Adams died on April 6, 1877 in Eureka, Illinois and was laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois, leaving Lucinda with four children under the age of 12.
Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams was married 2nd to John Wesley Tittsworth on __________ __, 1878 in Woodford County, Illinois. This is found in Book 1, page 11 in the 1878 Woodford County, Illinois book of marriages. John Wesley Tittsworth, who was 8 years younger than Lucinda, was born in Missouri about 1855/56, possibly the son of Ezekial Tittsworth and Comfort (Evans) Titworth. At the time of the 1880 census of Woodford County, Eva, Frank, Charles and Bertie Adams are all found residing in or near Eureka with J. W. and Lucind Titsworth;
J W Titsworth Self M 24 Missouri
Lucind Titsworth Wife F 32 Ohio
Eva Adams Daughter F 14 Illinois
Frank Adams Son M 11 Illinois
Chas Adams Son M 7 Illinois
Bertie Adams Son M 5 Illinois
Susie Adams (actually Tittsworth) Daughter F 0 Illinois
Several more children were born to John Wesley and Lucinda. These may include;
1. Susie Tittsworth, born in 1880
2. Stella Ann Tittsworth, born April 4, 1883; died Sept. 21, 1896 and laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka.
John Wesley (J.W.) Tittsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washington, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery. Lucinda died on May 19, 1931 in Eureka and her earthly remains were laid to rest in Olio Cemetery in Eureka.
(June 27, 2010. Peoria, Illinois. Sometime ago, I had put in a request for a Find A Grave volunteer to get a picture of Pvt. Adams tombstone and upload it on his Find A Grave site. I still have not moved up into the digital world, still use plastic in my 35 mm camera. A few days ago, a volunteer sent me a note that she was unable to locate his headstone and that the ones remaining were overgrown with weeds and grass. So yesterday, I decided to make a trip to the cemetery myself. It was a beautiful day. A perfect day for taking pictures of tombstones. I took my shovel, clippers and mower and was prepared to spend several hours cleaning off John's grave so that I could get some more pictures. I had not seen his grave in several years and had to make a trip to other area cemeteries to get better pictures of other tombstones. When I got to the cemetery, from the parking lot everything looked the same, I thought, as I remembered them from my last visit there. As I strolled up the hill, from what I had been told, I was expecting to see the old cemetery waist high in weeds and briars. But, as I got to the top of the hill, except for two clumps of trees and weeds, the hill was spotless. No weeds, no briars, NO TOMBSTONES!!!! They were gone!!! Apparently, no one wants to spend any time working in the cemetery. It was just an eyesore for the golfers, I guess! So they picked up the stones, pulled up or dug up the ones that were still in the ground and cleaned off the hill. The only evidence now that there was ever a cemetery there is a Memorial put on what was the edge of the cemetery with the names and dates of people known to be buried on the hill. Now it looks like a golf course or a park. The people buried here were some of the Eureka areas earliest settlers. Three Civil War veterans, including Pvt. John W. Adams, were buried here. The last time I was there, his stone still stood proudly over his grave. I had my pictures from one of my last visits here and was easily able to find where John's earthly remains were laid to rest. I stood over his grave and was physically sick from all that I was seeing. For the past 25 years, I have been tracking down the men who served in the 86th Illinois, locating their graves and making sure they are marked. And here 25 miles from where I live, someone was pulling their stones off of their graves. I stood there wondering what John and the other members of Co. A would think of the way they were being remembered. The men and boys from Eureka, the men who had given some of the best years of their lives to preserve the union, some who would spend months in Confederate Prison camps in the south, some who at the age of 16, 17 and 18 had given their very lives for their country and their family back home. What would they think of the way we remember them, by pulling their tombstones off of the graves!! The children and grandchildren of the people buried here are long gone. What family may still exist, may not even live in the area any more. Too many of them may not even give a hoot about their ancestors or about their graves going unmarked. But, these were Eurekans, pioneers, heros, people who helped to make Eureka and this country what it is today and I think it's disgraceful that as a society, we can't even take the time to take care of their graves and monuments. It's easier to just pitch their markers in some ravine. Baxter B. Fite III)
This is an email that I received on July 25, 2011;
"John Wiley Adams
John Wiley Adams was my great great grandfather. He is the son of John Adams, born May 7, 1794 in Becket, Mass. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646.
John Wiley's wife, Lucinda Catherine, was the daughter of John Stewart and Catherine Pifer. She died May 19, 1931 and is buried in Olio Cemetery in Eureka, IL. John Wesley (J.W.)Titsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washinton, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery.
John Wiley Adams' son, Bert, (1875-1951)was my great-grandfather; his son, Miles, was born in FT, Wayne,IN in 1904. My father, Miles Jr. was born in Warren, Ohio in 1926. He lives in Parrish FL.
I live near Philadelphia, PA, and I have three siblings: John T. Adams, Susan J. Adams and William R. Adams. We saw John Wiley's gravestone when it was intact, but I had no idea that it had been removed. I am heartbroken.
I do have photos of John Wiley, including a beautiful CDV. He was quite handsome, with blue eyes and dark hair, and he was tall for the time, 5'11". All family accounts describe him as being very kind, with a serene nature. We have the violin he played.
Thank you, Baxter, for introducing him to interested viewers of this site. I am deeply grateful.
Added by Katie Adams Mullin on Jul 25, 2011 11:31 AM"
On August 12, 2012, I learned at the following site;
http://genealogytrails.com/cwstones/intro.html
that John W. Adams grave either went unmarked or was marked with a personal headstone until June 1, 1890, when a government issued stone was ordered. The contract was made with Gross Brothers in Lee, Massachusetts who furnished the stone for John W. Adam's grave. Now it lies in a ditch somewhere instead of on his grave where it belongs.
by Baxter B. Fite III, who can be contacted at [email protected], and Katie Adams Mullin, a great great granddaughter of John Wiley Adams, and a new Find A Grave Contributor, #47566359, as of July 25, 2011.
(Baxter and Katie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Pvt. John Wiley Adams, who might be able to provide more information about Pvt. Adams or who might have other photographs of Pvt. John Wiley Adams for his records which they are putting together for the Woodford County Historical Society. They also would enjoy seeing pictures that anyone may have of John's grave through the years or of other graves of Eurekans buried in this cemetery for their Find A Grave site.)
Private JOHN WILEY ADAMS, Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Wiley Adams was born on May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio the son of John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams. John Adams was born on May 7, 1794 in Becket, Massachusetts. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646. Ruth Manley was born on March 9, 1800 in Sandisfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, the daughter of Martin Manley (1776 - 1844) and Azuba (Hurd) Manley (1776 - 1846). Ruth and John Adams were married on October 21, 1819 in Portage County, Ohio. A number of children are believed to have been born to John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams, including;
1. Edwin Adams, born between 1820 and 1840 in Portage County, Ohio.
2. Chester Adams, born October 24, 1830 in Ohio. Chester Adams died on 13 Jan 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439171
3. Sally F. Adams/Ragan, born ___________ __, 18__.
4. John Wiley Adams, born May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio. See his biography below.
When John Wiley Adams was five years old, his father, John Adams Sr., died on January 22, 1842 and his father's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439167.
Ruth (Manley) Adams was then married on August 22, 1844 in Portage County, Ohio to Charles Regan/Ragan. Charles and Ruth had one daughter, Amanda M. Regan/Ragan, who was born c. 1845/46. At the time of the 1850 census, John W. Adams is found residing in the household of his mother and stepfather, Charles and Ruth Ryan, in Hiram Township in Portage County, Ohio;
Charles Regan M 58 New York
Ruth Regan F 50 Massachusetts
John W Adams M 14 Ohio
Charlotte Regan F 11 Ohio
Ralph Regan M 10 Ohio
Amanda M Regan F 4 Ohio
Charles Regan died on February 9, 1853 and Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan was then married to John P. Smith on September 21, 1854 in Portage County, Ohio. Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan Smith died on September 17, 1880 in Chardon, Geauga County, Ohio and her mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 76174546.
Now to continue with the biography of John Wiley Adams;
At this time, it is also not known when John W. Adams came to Illinois or even if other members of the family came with him. John W. Adams is known to have come to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County.
On August 9, 1862, John volunteered for service in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ADAMS, JOHN W
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity RAVANA, PORTAGE CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY JAN 28, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 men of the Woodford County company were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain of Co. A.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th marched out of Camp Lyon through the streets of Peoria to the railroad station where they boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located on the Ohio River across from Louisville. After several weeks of drilling, the men of the 86th were assigned to a Brigade being commanded by General Daniel McCook and they were sent into Kentucky to chase down the last Confederate troops in Kentucky.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCooks Brigade participated in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, a Union victory, which helped to drive the last Confederate troops out of Kentucky. McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they began a long period of garrison duty. During the winter of 1862/63, Pvt. Adams became quite ill and he was eventually sent north to an Army Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. On January 28, 1863, Pvt. John Wiley Adams was discharged from the service in hopes that he could return home and regain his health. John returned to Woodford County at this time and with the help of his family survived his illness.
John W. Adams was married to Lucinda Catherine Stewart on March 12, 1865 in Woodford County. Lucinda was born on January 6, 1847 in Warren County, Ohio the daughter of John Stewart & Catherine (Pifer) Stewart. Five children are known to have been born to John Adams and Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams, all in Eureka or the Eureka area. They are:
1. Eva Ruth Adams, born Jan. 19, 1866 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Eva Ruth was married to John Sheldon Adams (1855 - 1927) on March 7, 1883. The children born to Eva and John include;
A. Bert Harold Adams, born ___________ __, 1899. Bert died in 1970.
Eva Ruth (Adams) Adams died on December 13, 1949 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 11115746.
2. Infant Child who was born and died in 1867. This child is believed to have been laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois.
3. Francis R. "Frank" Adams; born Feb. 9, 1869; died March 4, 1881.
4. Charles Edward Adams, born Feb. 20, 1872; died July 15, 1949 in St. Peter, Minnesota
5. Bert Leon "Bertie" Adams, born Oct. 22, 1875 in Woodford County, Illinois. Bert was married to Bertha M. Sowards. Bertha was born c. December __, 1878 and at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha and her family are found in Lancaster Township (north half), Wells County, Indiana;
Albert Sowards Head M 47 Ohio
Tida M Sowards Wife F 39 Indiana
Bertha M Sowards Daughter F 22 Indiana
Ethel M Sowards Daughter F 19 Indiana
Clinton E Sowards Son M 17 Indiana
Willes J Sowards Son M 15 Indiana
Thomas J Sowards Son M 12 Indiana
Beatrice E Sowards Daughter F 8 Indiana
Vera Sowards Daughter F 4 Indiana
Bert and Bertha were the parents of 6 children, including;
A. Esther Abigail Adams, born June 22, 1902 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. Esther Abigail Adams was married on October 6, 1925 in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio to Floyd Nephi Ryhal, the son of Merton Ryhal and Anna Barrett.
Esther was a gradate of Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Warren, Ohio and worked as a registered nurse in Greenville Regional Hospital for many years. Esther Abigail (Adams) Ryhal died on 15 Aug 1988 in Delaware Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania and her mortal remains were laid in the Brookfield Cemetery in Brookfield, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #189125876.
B. Miles Gilford Adams, born August 13, 1904 in Indiana. Miles is found with the family in the 1910 and 1920 census records. Miles was married to Leona Jane Watkins on August 12, 1925 in Columbiana County, Ohio.
Two children are known to have been born to them;
a. Miles Gilford Adams Jr., born April 30, 1926 in Ohio. Miles Jr. was married to Leona Tinsley on October 7, 1950 in Trumbull County, Ohio. Lena Tinsley was born on ____________ __, 19__, the daughter of Walter Tinsley and Elizabeth Michael.
Four children were born to Miles and Leona, including
A. John of Southington, Ohio
B. Bill of Alexandria, Va.
C. Susan (Adams) Foster of Bradenton, Florida
D. Katie (Adams) Mullin of Green Lane, Pa.
Miles G. Adams Jr. died on 20 Aug 2011 at the age of 85 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida. See his Find A Grave Memorial #75371316.
b. Jacquelyn R. Adams, born c. 1930/31 in Ohio.
At the time of the 1930 census, Miles and his family are found residing in a home they own located at what is then identified as 1466 Central Parkway Avenue S.E. in the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Miles is a Grocery Manager;
Miles G. Adams 25 Ind
Leona Adams 25 Penn
Miles G. Adams Jr. 3 11/12 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Miles and his family are found residing on Arlington Road near the village of Newton Falls, in Newton Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Miles G Adams Head M 35 Indiana
Leona J Adams Wife F 35 Pennsylvania
Miles G Adams Son M 13 Ohio
Jacquelyn R Adams Daughter F 9 Ohio
C. Ruth D Adams, born ____________ __, 1909 in Ohio. Ruth D Adams was married on January 13, 1933 in Trumbull County, Ohio to Arlo H McConnell, the son of Roy McConnell and Leda McNeil.
Ruth Adams McConnell died on ____________ __, 1996 and her mortal remains were laid in the Braceville Center Cemetery in Newton Falls, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #186017109.
D. Donna Vera Adams, born c. 1914/15 in Ohio.
E. Harry Adams, stillborn in the Warren City Hospital on May 25, 1916. Harry's mortal remains were laid in the Warren City Cemetery in May 26, 1916.
F. Alma Clara Adams, born February 10, 1919 to B. L. Adams and Bertha M. Sowards in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. Alma died three days later on February 13, 1919 and her mortal remains were almost certainly laid in the Warren City Cemetery in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1910 census, Bert, Bertha and their family are found in Southington, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert Adams Head M 34 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 31 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 8 Indiana
Miles Adams Son M 5 Indiana
Ruth Adams Daughter F 0 Ohio
At the time of the 1920 census, Bert and his family are found residing on West Market Street in Ward 3 of the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Bert is working as a Janitor in the 2nd National Bank;
B L Adams Head M 44 Illinois
Bertha May Adams Wife F 41 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 17 Indiana
Miles G Adams Son M 15 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 10 Ohio
Donna Vera Adams Daughter F 5 Ohio
Walter Patton Roomer M 27 Ireland
Chauncey Eppley Roomer M 25 Ohio
At the time of the 1930 census, Bert and his family are found in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Osbert Adams Head M 54 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 51 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 20 Ohio
Donna Adams Daughter F 16 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Bert and Bertha are found in Ward 5, Warren City, Warren Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert L Adams Head M 65 Illinois
Bertha M Adams Wife F 61 Indiana
Bert Leon Adams died on April 29, 1951 in Trumbull County, Ohio and his mortal remains were laid in the Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #195307503. Bertha M. (Sowards) Adams died on 31 Mar 1972 in Lincoln, Middlesex, Massachusetts and her mortal remains were laid in the _______________________ Cemetery in ______________, _______________.
Private John Wiley Adams died on April 6, 1877 in Eureka, Illinois and was laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois, leaving Lucinda with four children under the age of 12.
Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams was married 2nd to John Wesley Tittsworth on __________ __, 1878 in Woodford County, Illinois. This is found in Book 1, page 11 in the 1878 Woodford County, Illinois book of marriages. John Wesley Tittsworth, who was 8 years younger than Lucinda, was born in Missouri about 1855/56, possibly the son of Ezekial Tittsworth and Comfort (Evans) Titworth. At the time of the 1880 census of Woodford County, Eva, Frank, Charles and Bertie Adams are all found residing in or near Eureka with J. W. and Lucind Titsworth;
J W Titsworth Self M 24 Missouri
Lucind Titsworth Wife F 32 Ohio
Eva Adams Daughter F 14 Illinois
Frank Adams Son M 11 Illinois
Chas Adams Son M 7 Illinois
Bertie Adams Son M 5 Illinois
Susie Adams (actually Tittsworth) Daughter F 0 Illinois
Several more children were born to John Wesley and Lucinda. These may include;
1. Susie Tittsworth, born in 1880
2. Stella Ann Tittsworth, born April 4, 1883; died Sept. 21, 1896 and laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka.
John Wesley (J.W.) Tittsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washington, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery. Lucinda died on May 19, 1931 in Eureka and her earthly remains were laid to rest in Olio Cemetery in Eureka.
(June 27, 2010. Peoria, Illinois. Sometime ago, I had put in a request for a Find A Grave volunteer to get a picture of Pvt. Adams tombstone and upload it on his Find A Grave site. I still have not moved up into the digital world, still use plastic in my 35 mm camera. A few days ago, a volunteer sent me a note that she was unable to locate his headstone and that the ones remaining were overgrown with weeds and grass. So yesterday, I decided to make a trip to the cemetery myself. It was a beautiful day. A perfect day for taking pictures of tombstones. I took my shovel, clippers and mower and was prepared to spend several hours cleaning off John's grave so that I could get some more pictures. I had not seen his grave in several years and had to make a trip to other area cemeteries to get better pictures of other tombstones. When I got to the cemetery, from the parking lot everything looked the same, I thought, as I remembered them from my last visit there. As I strolled up the hill, from what I had been told, I was expecting to see the old cemetery waist high in weeds and briars. But, as I got to the top of the hill, except for two clumps of trees and weeds, the hill was spotless. No weeds, no briars, NO TOMBSTONES!!!! They were gone!!! Apparently, no one wants to spend any time working in the cemetery. It was just an eyesore for the golfers, I guess! So they picked up the stones, pulled up or dug up the ones that were still in the ground and cleaned off the hill. The only evidence now that there was ever a cemetery there is a Memorial put on what was the edge of the cemetery with the names and dates of people known to be buried on the hill. Now it looks like a golf course or a park. The people buried here were some of the Eureka areas earliest settlers. Three Civil War veterans, including Pvt. John W. Adams, were buried here. The last time I was there, his stone still stood proudly over his grave. I had my pictures from one of my last visits here and was easily able to find where John's earthly remains were laid to rest. I stood over his grave and was physically sick from all that I was seeing. For the past 25 years, I have been tracking down the men who served in the 86th Illinois, locating their graves and making sure they are marked. And here 25 miles from where I live, someone was pulling their stones off of their graves. I stood there wondering what John and the other members of Co. A would think of the way they were being remembered. The men and boys from Eureka, the men who had given some of the best years of their lives to preserve the union, some who would spend months in Confederate Prison camps in the south, some who at the age of 16, 17 and 18 had given their very lives for their country and their family back home. What would they think of the way we remember them, by pulling their tombstones off of the graves!! The children and grandchildren of the people buried here are long gone. What family may still exist, may not even live in the area any more. Too many of them may not even give a hoot about their ancestors or about their graves going unmarked. But, these were Eurekans, pioneers, heros, people who helped to make Eureka and this country what it is today and I think it's disgraceful that as a society, we can't even take the time to take care of their graves and monuments. It's easier to just pitch their markers in some ravine. Baxter B. Fite III)
This is an email that I received on July 25, 2011;
"John Wiley Adams
John Wiley Adams was my great great grandfather. He is the son of John Adams, born May 7, 1794 in Becket, Mass. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646.
John Wiley's wife, Lucinda Catherine, was the daughter of John Stewart and Catherine Pifer. She died May 19, 1931 and is buried in Olio Cemetery in Eureka, IL. John Wesley (J.W.)Titsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washinton, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery.
John Wiley Adams' son, Bert, (1875-1951)was my great-grandfather; his son, Miles, was born in FT, Wayne,IN in 1904. My father, Miles Jr. was born in Warren, Ohio in 1926. He lives in Parrish FL.
I live near Philadelphia, PA, and I have three siblings: John T. Adams, Susan J. Adams and William R. Adams. We saw John Wiley's gravestone when it was intact, but I had no idea that it had been removed. I am heartbroken.
I do have photos of John Wiley, including a beautiful CDV. He was quite handsome, with blue eyes and dark hair, and he was tall for the time, 5'11". All family accounts describe him as being very kind, with a serene nature. We have the violin he played.
Thank you, Baxter, for introducing him to interested viewers of this site. I am deeply grateful.
Added by Katie Adams Mullin on Jul 25, 2011 11:31 AM"
On August 12, 2012, I learned at the following site;
http://genealogytrails.com/cwstones/intro.html
that John W. Adams grave either went unmarked or was marked with a personal headstone until June 1, 1890, when a government issued stone was ordered. The contract was made with Gross Brothers in Lee, Massachusetts who furnished the stone for John W. Adam's grave. Now it lies in a ditch somewhere instead of on his grave where it belongs.
by Baxter B. Fite III, who can be contacted at [email protected], and Katie Adams Mullin, a great great granddaughter of John Wiley Adams, and a new Find A Grave Contributor, #47566359, as of July 25, 2011.
(Baxter and Katie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Pvt. John Wiley Adams, who might be able to provide more information about Pvt. Adams or who might have other photographs of Pvt. John Wiley Adams for his records which they are putting together for the Woodford County Historical Society. They also would enjoy seeing pictures that anyone may have of John's grave through the years or of other graves of Eurekans buried in this cemetery for their Find A Grave site.)
(The grave of this member of the Unites States Army was VANDALIZED by adults. This man, as well as at least two other men buried here, PROUDLY volunteered to serve in the United States Army and defend the UNION during the Civil War. They put their lives on the line to defend the Union and help provide us with the freedoms we have today, lived out their lives in the Eureka community, continuing to strive to provide better lives for their families and the people of the community, died and were buried here. The GOVERNMENT provided these VETERANS with GOVERNMENT issued soldiers stones, which were PROUDLY places on their graves and which stood PROUDLY over their graves for years and then some adults, who wanted the land the cemetery sat on for a golf course, and got tired of cutting around the graves and didn't want to be bothered any more decided to dig up the GOVERNMENT proved tombstones, or worse, break them off, and pitch these GOVERMENT proved tombstones of these VETERANS in a ravine. If children or teens had done this, we would have called this VANDALIZM!!! If adults decided to do it, it's OK. We should be ashamed of ourselves, to treat U.S. VETERANS graves this way, or allow it to happen, not to mention the way the graves of another 50 or so early Eureka area settlers were treated. These people all made UNFATHOMABLE sacrifices in the early 1800's to come to this area when they did for US, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and this is the way we treat their final resting place and honor them! Shame!! Shame!! Shame!! We should be ashamed of ourselves!!)
Private JOHN WILEY ADAMS, Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Wiley Adams was born on May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio the son of John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams. John Adams was born on May 7, 1794 in Becket, Massachusetts. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646. Ruth Manley was born on March 9, 1800 in Sandisfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, the daughter of Martin Manley (1776 - 1844) and Azuba (Hurd) Manley (1776 - 1846). Ruth and John Adams were married on October 21, 1819 in Portage County, Ohio. A number of children are believed to have been born to John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams, including;
1. Edwin Adams, born between 1820 and 1840 in Portage County, Ohio.
2. Chester Adams, born October 24, 1830 in Ohio. Chester Adams died on 13 Jan 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439171
3. Sally F. Adams/Ragan, born ___________ __, 18__.
4. John Wiley Adams, born May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio. See his biography below.
When John Wiley Adams was five years old, his father, John Adams Sr., died on January 22, 1842 and his father's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439167.
Ruth (Manley) Adams was then married on August 22, 1844 in Portage County, Ohio to Charles Regan/Ragan. Charles and Ruth had one daughter, Amanda M. Regan/Ragan, who was born c. 1845/46. At the time of the 1850 census, John W. Adams is found residing in the household of his mother and stepfather, Charles and Ruth Ryan, in Hiram Township in Portage County, Ohio;
Charles Regan M 58 New York
Ruth Regan F 50 Massachusetts
John W Adams M 14 Ohio
Charlotte Regan F 11 Ohio
Ralph Regan M 10 Ohio
Amanda M Regan F 4 Ohio
Charles Regan died on February 9, 1853 and Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan was then married to John P. Smith on September 21, 1854 in Portage County, Ohio. Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan Smith died on September 17, 1880 in Chardon, Geauga County, Ohio and her mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 76174546.
Now to continue with the biography of John Wiley Adams;
At this time, it is also not known when John W. Adams came to Illinois or even if other members of the family came with him. John W. Adams is known to have come to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County.
On August 9, 1862, John volunteered for service in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ADAMS, JOHN W
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity RAVANA, PORTAGE CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY JAN 28, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 men of the Woodford County company were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain of Co. A.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th marched out of Camp Lyon through the streets of Peoria to the railroad station where they boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located on the Ohio River across from Louisville. After several weeks of drilling, the men of the 86th were assigned to a Brigade being commanded by General Daniel McCook and they were sent into Kentucky to chase down the last Confederate troops in Kentucky.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCooks Brigade participated in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, a Union victory, which helped to drive the last Confederate troops out of Kentucky. McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they began a long period of garrison duty. During the winter of 1862/63, Pvt. Adams became quite ill and he was eventually sent north to an Army Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. On January 28, 1863, Pvt. John Wiley Adams was discharged from the service in hopes that he could return home and regain his health. John returned to Woodford County at this time and with the help of his family survived his illness.
John W. Adams was married to Lucinda Catherine Stewart on March 12, 1865 in Woodford County. Lucinda was born on January 6, 1847 in Warren County, Ohio the daughter of John Stewart & Catherine (Pifer) Stewart. Five children are known to have been born to John Adams and Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams, all in Eureka or the Eureka area. They are:
1. Eva Ruth Adams, born Jan. 19, 1866 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Eva Ruth was married to John Sheldon Adams (1855 - 1927) on March 7, 1883. The children born to Eva and John include;
A. Bert Harold Adams, born ___________ __, 1899. Bert died in 1970.
Eva Ruth (Adams) Adams died on December 13, 1949 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 11115746.
2. Infant Child who was born and died in 1867. This child is believed to have been laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois.
3. Francis R. "Frank" Adams; born Feb. 9, 1869; died March 4, 1881.
4. Charles Edward Adams, born Feb. 20, 1872; died July 15, 1949 in St. Peter, Minnesota
5. Bert Leon "Bertie" Adams, born Oct. 22, 1875 in Woodford County, Illinois. Bert was married to Bertha M. Sowards. Bertha was born c. December __, 1878 and at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha and her family are found in Lancaster Township (north half), Wells County, Indiana;
Albert Sowards Head M 47 Ohio
Tida M Sowards Wife F 39 Indiana
Bertha M Sowards Daughter F 22 Indiana
Ethel M Sowards Daughter F 19 Indiana
Clinton E Sowards Son M 17 Indiana
Willes J Sowards Son M 15 Indiana
Thomas J Sowards Son M 12 Indiana
Beatrice E Sowards Daughter F 8 Indiana
Vera Sowards Daughter F 4 Indiana
Bert and Bertha were the parents of 6 children, including;
A. Esther Abigail Adams, born June 22, 1902 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. Esther Abigail Adams was married on October 6, 1925 in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio to Floyd Nephi Ryhal, the son of Merton Ryhal and Anna Barrett.
Esther was a gradate of Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Warren, Ohio and worked as a registered nurse in Greenville Regional Hospital for many years. Esther Abigail (Adams) Ryhal died on 15 Aug 1988 in Delaware Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania and her mortal remains were laid in the Brookfield Cemetery in Brookfield, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #189125876.
B. Miles Gilford Adams, born August 13, 1904 in Indiana. Miles is found with the family in the 1910 and 1920 census records. Miles was married to Leona Jane Watkins on August 12, 1925 in Columbiana County, Ohio.
Two children are known to have been born to them;
a. Miles Gilford Adams Jr., born April 30, 1926 in Ohio. Miles Jr. was married to Leona Tinsley on October 7, 1950 in Trumbull County, Ohio. Lena Tinsley was born on ____________ __, 19__, the daughter of Walter Tinsley and Elizabeth Michael.
Four children were born to Miles and Leona, including
A. John of Southington, Ohio
B. Bill of Alexandria, Va.
C. Susan (Adams) Foster of Bradenton, Florida
D. Katie (Adams) Mullin of Green Lane, Pa.
Miles G. Adams Jr. died on 20 Aug 2011 at the age of 85 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida. See his Find A Grave Memorial #75371316.
b. Jacquelyn R. Adams, born c. 1930/31 in Ohio.
At the time of the 1930 census, Miles and his family are found residing in a home they own located at what is then identified as 1466 Central Parkway Avenue S.E. in the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Miles is a Grocery Manager;
Miles G. Adams 25 Ind
Leona Adams 25 Penn
Miles G. Adams Jr. 3 11/12 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Miles and his family are found residing on Arlington Road near the village of Newton Falls, in Newton Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Miles G Adams Head M 35 Indiana
Leona J Adams Wife F 35 Pennsylvania
Miles G Adams Son M 13 Ohio
Jacquelyn R Adams Daughter F 9 Ohio
C. Ruth D Adams, born ____________ __, 1909 in Ohio. Ruth D Adams was married on January 13, 1933 in Trumbull County, Ohio to Arlo H McConnell, the son of Roy McConnell and Leda McNeil.
Ruth Adams McConnell died on ____________ __, 1996 and her mortal remains were laid in the Braceville Center Cemetery in Newton Falls, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #186017109.
D. Donna Vera Adams, born c. 1914/15 in Ohio.
E. Harry Adams, stillborn in the Warren City Hospital on May 25, 1916. Harry's mortal remains were laid in the Warren City Cemetery in May 26, 1916.
F. Alma Clara Adams, born February 10, 1919 to B. L. Adams and Bertha M. Sowards in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. Alma died three days later on February 13, 1919 and her mortal remains were almost certainly laid in the Warren City Cemetery in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1910 census, Bert, Bertha and their family are found in Southington, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert Adams Head M 34 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 31 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 8 Indiana
Miles Adams Son M 5 Indiana
Ruth Adams Daughter F 0 Ohio
At the time of the 1920 census, Bert and his family are found residing on West Market Street in Ward 3 of the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Bert is working as a Janitor in the 2nd National Bank;
B L Adams Head M 44 Illinois
Bertha May Adams Wife F 41 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 17 Indiana
Miles G Adams Son M 15 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 10 Ohio
Donna Vera Adams Daughter F 5 Ohio
Walter Patton Roomer M 27 Ireland
Chauncey Eppley Roomer M 25 Ohio
At the time of the 1930 census, Bert and his family are found in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Osbert Adams Head M 54 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 51 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 20 Ohio
Donna Adams Daughter F 16 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Bert and Bertha are found in Ward 5, Warren City, Warren Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert L Adams Head M 65 Illinois
Bertha M Adams Wife F 61 Indiana
Bert Leon Adams died on April 29, 1951 in Trumbull County, Ohio and his mortal remains were laid in the Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #195307503. Bertha M. (Sowards) Adams died on 31 Mar 1972 in Lincoln, Middlesex, Massachusetts and her mortal remains were laid in the _______________________ Cemetery in ______________, _______________.
Private John Wiley Adams died on April 6, 1877 in Eureka, Illinois and was laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois, leaving Lucinda with four children under the age of 12.
Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams was married 2nd to John Wesley Tittsworth on __________ __, 1878 in Woodford County, Illinois. This is found in Book 1, page 11 in the 1878 Woodford County, Illinois book of marriages. John Wesley Tittsworth, who was 8 years younger than Lucinda, was born in Missouri about 1855/56, possibly the son of Ezekial Tittsworth and Comfort (Evans) Titworth. At the time of the 1880 census of Woodford County, Eva, Frank, Charles and Bertie Adams are all found residing in or near Eureka with J. W. and Lucind Titsworth;
J W Titsworth Self M 24 Missouri
Lucind Titsworth Wife F 32 Ohio
Eva Adams Daughter F 14 Illinois
Frank Adams Son M 11 Illinois
Chas Adams Son M 7 Illinois
Bertie Adams Son M 5 Illinois
Susie Adams (actually Tittsworth) Daughter F 0 Illinois
Several more children were born to John Wesley and Lucinda. These may include;
1. Susie Tittsworth, born in 1880
2. Stella Ann Tittsworth, born April 4, 1883; died Sept. 21, 1896 and laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka.
John Wesley (J.W.) Tittsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washington, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery. Lucinda died on May 19, 1931 in Eureka and her earthly remains were laid to rest in Olio Cemetery in Eureka.
(June 27, 2010. Peoria, Illinois. Sometime ago, I had put in a request for a Find A Grave volunteer to get a picture of Pvt. Adams tombstone and upload it on his Find A Grave site. I still have not moved up into the digital world, still use plastic in my 35 mm camera. A few days ago, a volunteer sent me a note that she was unable to locate his headstone and that the ones remaining were overgrown with weeds and grass. So yesterday, I decided to make a trip to the cemetery myself. It was a beautiful day. A perfect day for taking pictures of tombstones. I took my shovel, clippers and mower and was prepared to spend several hours cleaning off John's grave so that I could get some more pictures. I had not seen his grave in several years and had to make a trip to other area cemeteries to get better pictures of other tombstones. When I got to the cemetery, from the parking lot everything looked the same, I thought, as I remembered them from my last visit there. As I strolled up the hill, from what I had been told, I was expecting to see the old cemetery waist high in weeds and briars. But, as I got to the top of the hill, except for two clumps of trees and weeds, the hill was spotless. No weeds, no briars, NO TOMBSTONES!!!! They were gone!!! Apparently, no one wants to spend any time working in the cemetery. It was just an eyesore for the golfers, I guess! So they picked up the stones, pulled up or dug up the ones that were still in the ground and cleaned off the hill. The only evidence now that there was ever a cemetery there is a Memorial put on what was the edge of the cemetery with the names and dates of people known to be buried on the hill. Now it looks like a golf course or a park. The people buried here were some of the Eureka areas earliest settlers. Three Civil War veterans, including Pvt. John W. Adams, were buried here. The last time I was there, his stone still stood proudly over his grave. I had my pictures from one of my last visits here and was easily able to find where John's earthly remains were laid to rest. I stood over his grave and was physically sick from all that I was seeing. For the past 25 years, I have been tracking down the men who served in the 86th Illinois, locating their graves and making sure they are marked. And here 25 miles from where I live, someone was pulling their stones off of their graves. I stood there wondering what John and the other members of Co. A would think of the way they were being remembered. The men and boys from Eureka, the men who had given some of the best years of their lives to preserve the union, some who would spend months in Confederate Prison camps in the south, some who at the age of 16, 17 and 18 had given their very lives for their country and their family back home. What would they think of the way we remember them, by pulling their tombstones off of the graves!! The children and grandchildren of the people buried here are long gone. What family may still exist, may not even live in the area any more. Too many of them may not even give a hoot about their ancestors or about their graves going unmarked. But, these were Eurekans, pioneers, heros, people who helped to make Eureka and this country what it is today and I think it's disgraceful that as a society, we can't even take the time to take care of their graves and monuments. It's easier to just pitch their markers in some ravine. Baxter B. Fite III)
This is an email that I received on July 25, 2011;
"John Wiley Adams
John Wiley Adams was my great great grandfather. He is the son of John Adams, born May 7, 1794 in Becket, Mass. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646.
John Wiley's wife, Lucinda Catherine, was the daughter of John Stewart and Catherine Pifer. She died May 19, 1931 and is buried in Olio Cemetery in Eureka, IL. John Wesley (J.W.)Titsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washinton, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery.
John Wiley Adams' son, Bert, (1875-1951)was my great-grandfather; his son, Miles, was born in FT, Wayne,IN in 1904. My father, Miles Jr. was born in Warren, Ohio in 1926. He lives in Parrish FL.
I live near Philadelphia, PA, and I have three siblings: John T. Adams, Susan J. Adams and William R. Adams. We saw John Wiley's gravestone when it was intact, but I had no idea that it had been removed. I am heartbroken.
I do have photos of John Wiley, including a beautiful CDV. He was quite handsome, with blue eyes and dark hair, and he was tall for the time, 5'11". All family accounts describe him as being very kind, with a serene nature. We have the violin he played.
Thank you, Baxter, for introducing him to interested viewers of this site. I am deeply grateful.
Added by Katie Adams Mullin on Jul 25, 2011 11:31 AM"
On August 12, 2012, I learned at the following site;
http://genealogytrails.com/cwstones/intro.html
that John W. Adams grave either went unmarked or was marked with a personal headstone until June 1, 1890, when a government issued stone was ordered. The contract was made with Gross Brothers in Lee, Massachusetts who furnished the stone for John W. Adam's grave. Now it lies in a ditch somewhere instead of on his grave where it belongs.
by Baxter B. Fite III, who can be contacted at [email protected], and Katie Adams Mullin, a great great granddaughter of John Wiley Adams, and a new Find A Grave Contributor, #47566359, as of July 25, 2011.
(Baxter and Katie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Pvt. John Wiley Adams, who might be able to provide more information about Pvt. Adams or who might have other photographs of Pvt. John Wiley Adams for his records which they are putting together for the Woodford County Historical Society. They also would enjoy seeing pictures that anyone may have of John's grave through the years or of other graves of Eurekans buried in this cemetery for their Find A Grave site.)
Private JOHN WILEY ADAMS, Co. A, 86th Illinois
John Wiley Adams was born on May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio the son of John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams. John Adams was born on May 7, 1794 in Becket, Massachusetts. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646. Ruth Manley was born on March 9, 1800 in Sandisfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, the daughter of Martin Manley (1776 - 1844) and Azuba (Hurd) Manley (1776 - 1846). Ruth and John Adams were married on October 21, 1819 in Portage County, Ohio. A number of children are believed to have been born to John Adams and Ruth (Manley) Adams, including;
1. Edwin Adams, born between 1820 and 1840 in Portage County, Ohio.
2. Chester Adams, born October 24, 1830 in Ohio. Chester Adams died on 13 Jan 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439171
3. Sally F. Adams/Ragan, born ___________ __, 18__.
4. John Wiley Adams, born May 10, 1836 in Portage County, Ohio. See his biography below.
When John Wiley Adams was five years old, his father, John Adams Sr., died on January 22, 1842 and his father's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #73439167.
Ruth (Manley) Adams was then married on August 22, 1844 in Portage County, Ohio to Charles Regan/Ragan. Charles and Ruth had one daughter, Amanda M. Regan/Ragan, who was born c. 1845/46. At the time of the 1850 census, John W. Adams is found residing in the household of his mother and stepfather, Charles and Ruth Ryan, in Hiram Township in Portage County, Ohio;
Charles Regan M 58 New York
Ruth Regan F 50 Massachusetts
John W Adams M 14 Ohio
Charlotte Regan F 11 Ohio
Ralph Regan M 10 Ohio
Amanda M Regan F 4 Ohio
Charles Regan died on February 9, 1853 and Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan was then married to John P. Smith on September 21, 1854 in Portage County, Ohio. Ruth (Manley) Adams Regan Smith died on September 17, 1880 in Chardon, Geauga County, Ohio and her mortal remains were laid in the Park Cemetery in Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 76174546.
Now to continue with the biography of John Wiley Adams;
At this time, it is also not known when John W. Adams came to Illinois or even if other members of the family came with him. John W. Adams is known to have come to Illinois sometime before 1862, where he settled in Olio Township of Woodford County.
On August 9, 1862, John volunteered for service in a company which was being raised in Eureka and El Paso, Illinois in Woodford County by William S. Magarity, who had been the first man elected to serve as Woodford County Sheriff in the 1840's.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ADAMS, JOHN W
Rank PVT Company A Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence OLIO, WOODFORD CO, IL Age 26 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status SINGLE Occupation FARMER
Nativity RAVANA, PORTAGE CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 9, 1862 Joined Where OLIO, IL
Joined By Whom CPT MAGARITY Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY JAN 28, 1863 AT LOUISVILLE KY
When Magarity had about 100 volunteers, he took his company across the Illinois River to Peoria, Illinois where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. On August 27, 1862, 96 men of the Woodford County company were mustered into service as Co. A of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Magarity was elected Captain of Co. A.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th marched out of Camp Lyon through the streets of Peoria to the railroad station where they boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located on the Ohio River across from Louisville. After several weeks of drilling, the men of the 86th were assigned to a Brigade being commanded by General Daniel McCook and they were sent into Kentucky to chase down the last Confederate troops in Kentucky.
On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCooks Brigade participated in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, a Union victory, which helped to drive the last Confederate troops out of Kentucky. McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee where they began a long period of garrison duty. During the winter of 1862/63, Pvt. Adams became quite ill and he was eventually sent north to an Army Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. On January 28, 1863, Pvt. John Wiley Adams was discharged from the service in hopes that he could return home and regain his health. John returned to Woodford County at this time and with the help of his family survived his illness.
John W. Adams was married to Lucinda Catherine Stewart on March 12, 1865 in Woodford County. Lucinda was born on January 6, 1847 in Warren County, Ohio the daughter of John Stewart & Catherine (Pifer) Stewart. Five children are known to have been born to John Adams and Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams, all in Eureka or the Eureka area. They are:
1. Eva Ruth Adams, born Jan. 19, 1866 in or near Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. Eva Ruth was married to John Sheldon Adams (1855 - 1927) on March 7, 1883. The children born to Eva and John include;
A. Bert Harold Adams, born ___________ __, 1899. Bert died in 1970.
Eva Ruth (Adams) Adams died on December 13, 1949 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois and her mortal remains were laid in the Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka, Woodford County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 11115746.
2. Infant Child who was born and died in 1867. This child is believed to have been laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois.
3. Francis R. "Frank" Adams; born Feb. 9, 1869; died March 4, 1881.
4. Charles Edward Adams, born Feb. 20, 1872; died July 15, 1949 in St. Peter, Minnesota
5. Bert Leon "Bertie" Adams, born Oct. 22, 1875 in Woodford County, Illinois. Bert was married to Bertha M. Sowards. Bertha was born c. December __, 1878 and at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha and her family are found in Lancaster Township (north half), Wells County, Indiana;
Albert Sowards Head M 47 Ohio
Tida M Sowards Wife F 39 Indiana
Bertha M Sowards Daughter F 22 Indiana
Ethel M Sowards Daughter F 19 Indiana
Clinton E Sowards Son M 17 Indiana
Willes J Sowards Son M 15 Indiana
Thomas J Sowards Son M 12 Indiana
Beatrice E Sowards Daughter F 8 Indiana
Vera Sowards Daughter F 4 Indiana
Bert and Bertha were the parents of 6 children, including;
A. Esther Abigail Adams, born June 22, 1902 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. Esther Abigail Adams was married on October 6, 1925 in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio to Floyd Nephi Ryhal, the son of Merton Ryhal and Anna Barrett.
Esther was a gradate of Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Warren, Ohio and worked as a registered nurse in Greenville Regional Hospital for many years. Esther Abigail (Adams) Ryhal died on 15 Aug 1988 in Delaware Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania and her mortal remains were laid in the Brookfield Cemetery in Brookfield, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #189125876.
B. Miles Gilford Adams, born August 13, 1904 in Indiana. Miles is found with the family in the 1910 and 1920 census records. Miles was married to Leona Jane Watkins on August 12, 1925 in Columbiana County, Ohio.
Two children are known to have been born to them;
a. Miles Gilford Adams Jr., born April 30, 1926 in Ohio. Miles Jr. was married to Leona Tinsley on October 7, 1950 in Trumbull County, Ohio. Lena Tinsley was born on ____________ __, 19__, the daughter of Walter Tinsley and Elizabeth Michael.
Four children were born to Miles and Leona, including
A. John of Southington, Ohio
B. Bill of Alexandria, Va.
C. Susan (Adams) Foster of Bradenton, Florida
D. Katie (Adams) Mullin of Green Lane, Pa.
Miles G. Adams Jr. died on 20 Aug 2011 at the age of 85 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida. See his Find A Grave Memorial #75371316.
b. Jacquelyn R. Adams, born c. 1930/31 in Ohio.
At the time of the 1930 census, Miles and his family are found residing in a home they own located at what is then identified as 1466 Central Parkway Avenue S.E. in the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Miles is a Grocery Manager;
Miles G. Adams 25 Ind
Leona Adams 25 Penn
Miles G. Adams Jr. 3 11/12 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Miles and his family are found residing on Arlington Road near the village of Newton Falls, in Newton Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Miles G Adams Head M 35 Indiana
Leona J Adams Wife F 35 Pennsylvania
Miles G Adams Son M 13 Ohio
Jacquelyn R Adams Daughter F 9 Ohio
C. Ruth D Adams, born ____________ __, 1909 in Ohio. Ruth D Adams was married on January 13, 1933 in Trumbull County, Ohio to Arlo H McConnell, the son of Roy McConnell and Leda McNeil.
Ruth Adams McConnell died on ____________ __, 1996 and her mortal remains were laid in the Braceville Center Cemetery in Newton Falls, Trumbull County, Ohio. See her Find A Grave Memorial #186017109.
D. Donna Vera Adams, born c. 1914/15 in Ohio.
E. Harry Adams, stillborn in the Warren City Hospital on May 25, 1916. Harry's mortal remains were laid in the Warren City Cemetery in May 26, 1916.
F. Alma Clara Adams, born February 10, 1919 to B. L. Adams and Bertha M. Sowards in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. Alma died three days later on February 13, 1919 and her mortal remains were almost certainly laid in the Warren City Cemetery in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.
At the time of the 1910 census, Bert, Bertha and their family are found in Southington, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert Adams Head M 34 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 31 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 8 Indiana
Miles Adams Son M 5 Indiana
Ruth Adams Daughter F 0 Ohio
At the time of the 1920 census, Bert and his family are found residing on West Market Street in Ward 3 of the city of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, where Bert is working as a Janitor in the 2nd National Bank;
B L Adams Head M 44 Illinois
Bertha May Adams Wife F 41 Indiana
Esther Adams Daughter F 17 Indiana
Miles G Adams Son M 15 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 10 Ohio
Donna Vera Adams Daughter F 5 Ohio
Walter Patton Roomer M 27 Ireland
Chauncey Eppley Roomer M 25 Ohio
At the time of the 1930 census, Bert and his family are found in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Osbert Adams Head M 54 Illinois
Bertha Adams Wife F 51 Indiana
Ruth D Adams Daughter F 20 Ohio
Donna Adams Daughter F 16 Ohio
At the time of the 1940 census, Bert and Bertha are found in Ward 5, Warren City, Warren Township, Trumbull County, Ohio;
Bert L Adams Head M 65 Illinois
Bertha M Adams Wife F 61 Indiana
Bert Leon Adams died on April 29, 1951 in Trumbull County, Ohio and his mortal remains were laid in the Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial #195307503. Bertha M. (Sowards) Adams died on 31 Mar 1972 in Lincoln, Middlesex, Massachusetts and her mortal remains were laid in the _______________________ Cemetery in ______________, _______________.
Private John Wiley Adams died on April 6, 1877 in Eureka, Illinois and was laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery in Eureka, Illinois, leaving Lucinda with four children under the age of 12.
Lucinda Catherine (Stewart) Adams was married 2nd to John Wesley Tittsworth on __________ __, 1878 in Woodford County, Illinois. This is found in Book 1, page 11 in the 1878 Woodford County, Illinois book of marriages. John Wesley Tittsworth, who was 8 years younger than Lucinda, was born in Missouri about 1855/56, possibly the son of Ezekial Tittsworth and Comfort (Evans) Titworth. At the time of the 1880 census of Woodford County, Eva, Frank, Charles and Bertie Adams are all found residing in or near Eureka with J. W. and Lucind Titsworth;
J W Titsworth Self M 24 Missouri
Lucind Titsworth Wife F 32 Ohio
Eva Adams Daughter F 14 Illinois
Frank Adams Son M 11 Illinois
Chas Adams Son M 7 Illinois
Bertie Adams Son M 5 Illinois
Susie Adams (actually Tittsworth) Daughter F 0 Illinois
Several more children were born to John Wesley and Lucinda. These may include;
1. Susie Tittsworth, born in 1880
2. Stella Ann Tittsworth, born April 4, 1883; died Sept. 21, 1896 and laid to rest in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Eureka.
John Wesley (J.W.) Tittsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washington, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery. Lucinda died on May 19, 1931 in Eureka and her earthly remains were laid to rest in Olio Cemetery in Eureka.
(June 27, 2010. Peoria, Illinois. Sometime ago, I had put in a request for a Find A Grave volunteer to get a picture of Pvt. Adams tombstone and upload it on his Find A Grave site. I still have not moved up into the digital world, still use plastic in my 35 mm camera. A few days ago, a volunteer sent me a note that she was unable to locate his headstone and that the ones remaining were overgrown with weeds and grass. So yesterday, I decided to make a trip to the cemetery myself. It was a beautiful day. A perfect day for taking pictures of tombstones. I took my shovel, clippers and mower and was prepared to spend several hours cleaning off John's grave so that I could get some more pictures. I had not seen his grave in several years and had to make a trip to other area cemeteries to get better pictures of other tombstones. When I got to the cemetery, from the parking lot everything looked the same, I thought, as I remembered them from my last visit there. As I strolled up the hill, from what I had been told, I was expecting to see the old cemetery waist high in weeds and briars. But, as I got to the top of the hill, except for two clumps of trees and weeds, the hill was spotless. No weeds, no briars, NO TOMBSTONES!!!! They were gone!!! Apparently, no one wants to spend any time working in the cemetery. It was just an eyesore for the golfers, I guess! So they picked up the stones, pulled up or dug up the ones that were still in the ground and cleaned off the hill. The only evidence now that there was ever a cemetery there is a Memorial put on what was the edge of the cemetery with the names and dates of people known to be buried on the hill. Now it looks like a golf course or a park. The people buried here were some of the Eureka areas earliest settlers. Three Civil War veterans, including Pvt. John W. Adams, were buried here. The last time I was there, his stone still stood proudly over his grave. I had my pictures from one of my last visits here and was easily able to find where John's earthly remains were laid to rest. I stood over his grave and was physically sick from all that I was seeing. For the past 25 years, I have been tracking down the men who served in the 86th Illinois, locating their graves and making sure they are marked. And here 25 miles from where I live, someone was pulling their stones off of their graves. I stood there wondering what John and the other members of Co. A would think of the way they were being remembered. The men and boys from Eureka, the men who had given some of the best years of their lives to preserve the union, some who would spend months in Confederate Prison camps in the south, some who at the age of 16, 17 and 18 had given their very lives for their country and their family back home. What would they think of the way we remember them, by pulling their tombstones off of the graves!! The children and grandchildren of the people buried here are long gone. What family may still exist, may not even live in the area any more. Too many of them may not even give a hoot about their ancestors or about their graves going unmarked. But, these were Eurekans, pioneers, heros, people who helped to make Eureka and this country what it is today and I think it's disgraceful that as a society, we can't even take the time to take care of their graves and monuments. It's easier to just pitch their markers in some ravine. Baxter B. Fite III)
This is an email that I received on July 25, 2011;
"John Wiley Adams
John Wiley Adams was my great great grandfather. He is the son of John Adams, born May 7, 1794 in Becket, Mass. This family is directly descended from Henry Adams, the first Adams on record in America. The presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams are also descended from Henry Adams, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and died in Braintree, Mass. October 6, 1646.
John Wiley's wife, Lucinda Catherine, was the daughter of John Stewart and Catherine Pifer. She died May 19, 1931 and is buried in Olio Cemetery in Eureka, IL. John Wesley (J.W.)Titsworth died June 3, 1928 in Washinton, IL, and is buried in Ezekiel Cemetery.
John Wiley Adams' son, Bert, (1875-1951)was my great-grandfather; his son, Miles, was born in FT, Wayne,IN in 1904. My father, Miles Jr. was born in Warren, Ohio in 1926. He lives in Parrish FL.
I live near Philadelphia, PA, and I have three siblings: John T. Adams, Susan J. Adams and William R. Adams. We saw John Wiley's gravestone when it was intact, but I had no idea that it had been removed. I am heartbroken.
I do have photos of John Wiley, including a beautiful CDV. He was quite handsome, with blue eyes and dark hair, and he was tall for the time, 5'11". All family accounts describe him as being very kind, with a serene nature. We have the violin he played.
Thank you, Baxter, for introducing him to interested viewers of this site. I am deeply grateful.
Added by Katie Adams Mullin on Jul 25, 2011 11:31 AM"
On August 12, 2012, I learned at the following site;
http://genealogytrails.com/cwstones/intro.html
that John W. Adams grave either went unmarked or was marked with a personal headstone until June 1, 1890, when a government issued stone was ordered. The contract was made with Gross Brothers in Lee, Massachusetts who furnished the stone for John W. Adam's grave. Now it lies in a ditch somewhere instead of on his grave where it belongs.
by Baxter B. Fite III, who can be contacted at [email protected], and Katie Adams Mullin, a great great granddaughter of John Wiley Adams, and a new Find A Grave Contributor, #47566359, as of July 25, 2011.
(Baxter and Katie would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of Pvt. John Wiley Adams, who might be able to provide more information about Pvt. Adams or who might have other photographs of Pvt. John Wiley Adams for his records which they are putting together for the Woodford County Historical Society. They also would enjoy seeing pictures that anyone may have of John's grave through the years or of other graves of Eurekans buried in this cemetery for their Find A Grave site.)
