“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  
Western Historical Company.   1879.


E. R. ADAMS, farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Pipersville; born March 9, 1818, in 
Erie Co., N.Y. was educated and learned mechanics and farming there; 
came to Wisconsin in 1836, and located at Oak Creek, Milwaukee Co.  
In 1837, came to Izonia Township, Jefferson Co., and bought 240 acres 
of Government land, all wild; he lived with his father in Concord 
Township till 1839, when he built a log house.  He collected the first tax 
in this township under the Territorial laws.   In 1839, he visited 
Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri, looking for a good location, but 
could not suit himself, and returned in the spring.  In 1847, he built his 
first barn, and in 1849, his first frame house; visited New York that fall.  
In May, 1854, was burnt out and lost everything, but rebuilt immediately 
the house he occupies.  In 1856, it was struck by lightning, had one gable 
and the plastering of two rooms knocked off, and was set on fire, but 
they saved it.  He now owns 163 acres of land.  He served as Justice of 
the Peace several years.  Married Miss Mariett Comstock, of Jefferson 
Co., N.Y., in December, 1843; she died Aug. 8, 1867.  Married Miss 
Jane Waldo, of Sullivan, Jefferson Co., Dec. 1, 1868; have two children 
– Waldo R., born May 20, 1870; Clifford B., born Jan. 14, 1875.  Was 
the Republican nominee for member of Legislature in 1860 and 1877, 
but was defeated both times, although he ran considerably ahead of his 
ticket.  E. R. Adams and William Sacia were the first settlers between 
Watertown and Summit, and built the first shanty between those points.



Submitted by:  Linda Pingel