WI BIO - Dane Co - ADAMS, Lewis L.
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893. Vol I, pp 307-308

Lewis L. ADAMS, one of the brave old pioneers of this part of WI and now a 
resident of Fitchburg, Dane County, WI, was born in Charles Township, Chester 
[p 308] County, PA, 27 Jul 1823. His father, John ADAMS, as far as known, 
was born in the same place, but the grandfather as a Virginian, who had 
removed to PA and bought a tract of land in Chester County at an early day, 
and spent his last days there.

John ADAMS, the father of our subject, learned the trade of stonemason and 
followed that trade in PA until 1825, when he removed to Ontario County, NY, 
bought a tract of improved land there and engaged in farming until his death. 
The maiden name of his mother was Eliza L. DAVIS; she was born in Chester 
County, PA, and her father, the grandfather of our subject, was named 
Llewellyn DAVIS, a farmer and a soldier in the Revolutionary war, who died in 
Chester County, PA. The mother of our subject survived her husband some 
years and died at the home of a son in Livingston County, NY, and had been 
the mother of eight children: James D., John S., Lewis L. [the subject of 
this sketch], Mordecai, Jesse F., Ezediel H., Eliza, Letitia and Mary W.

Lewis L. ADAMS was two years of age when his parents moved to Ontario 
County, NY, and he attended the district school and assisted on the farm, 
residing with his mother until 1846. In the spring of that year he started 
out for himself, beginning work on a farm and receiving $13 per month, the 
highest price paid in those days. In 1847 he came to the Territory of WI, by 
railroad to Buffalo, NY, and by steamer, the "Baltic," to Milwaukee, and then 
by stage to Madison, Dane County, WI. At that time Madison was a small place 
and the surrounding country was very little settled, the most of the land 
belonging to the Government. The following year he built a log house and 
when married there commenced housekeeping. There were no railroads and 
Milwaukee was 100 miles away and this was the principal market. He paid $150 
for his land on which he now lives, and $50 for a pair of oxen and then had 
$30 left. Agricultural implements were needed, but that want did not 
interfere with the labors of our subject. He went to work and made himself a 
harrow with wooden teeth and it did the work required. Truly he left no 
stone unturned to earn and to add to his store. His labor was given by the 
day or month as he seemed to be able to make the most and all the time he 
kept improving his land, splitting the rails and fencing 40 acres of the land 
the first winter. Now he has 240 acres and it is one of the nicest places in 
the country, with its neat buildings and good orchard and ornamental trees, 
all planted by the industry of its owner. In politics he is a Republican, 
casting his first vote for Henry CLAY. He has been Town Supervisor three 
terms.

Lewis L. ADAMS was married 29 Jun 1848 to Miss Mary SALISBURY, who was born 
in Canandaigua, Ontario County, NY, 18 Aug 1830, a daughter of Russel and 
Susan (BUNNEL) SALISBURY. She died 12 Apr 1885. Mr. ADAMS has had a family 
of nine children: Mary L., Lewis L., Russel D., Elon A., Winifred, Cora E., 
E. May, Arthur A., and Charlie F. Arthur died at the age of 12 years. Our 
subject now lives in the greatest comfort after his busy life. He is one of 
the best representative pioneers of this section and possesses, as he 
deserves, the esteem of the community in which he has made his home for so 
many years.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly