My Genealogy Hound

William J. Adams, a native of Reynolds County, Mo., was born on the 4th of July, 1849, and is the youngest of fourteen children born to William and Mary (Parker) Adams, who came from near Nashville, Tenn., to Missouri, in 1821, locating in Reynolds County. William Adams resided in Reynolds County until shortly before the breaking out of the late war, when he went to Texas and remained until the cessation of hostilities, when he returned to Missouri, where he died in 1866, at a ripe old age. When William J. was but seven years of age his mother died, after which he lived with his elder sister for a number of years. His education was that usually obtained in the common schools, and, being homeless, he was compelled to work during the summer, attending school only during the winter. At the age of twenty-five he was united in marriage to Miss Sally S. Puckett, the event taking place near Festus, April 22, 1873. She is a daughter of Robert and Eliza (Silva) Puckett, and was born August 24,1852. They have had four children, only two of whom are living: William Herbert, born January 31, 1874; Robert Lasey, born May 10, 1875. The deceased are Allen Nelson, born August 1, 1880, died April 20, 1881; and Julia Ester, born December 26, 1883, died December 22, 1887. In 1872 Mr. Adams established a hack line from Bailey Station to Crystal City, which venture was made with but a small capital, but proved remunerative to such a degree that the proceeds enabled him to purchase forty acres of land on the present site of Festus. This tract, which was heavily timbered, Mr. Adams cleared, and in 1876 sold the first business lot in what is now the town of Festus to T. J. Loveless, who established a retail grocery thereon. After this he disposed of several other lots to those desirous of engaging in business, the proceeds of which he devoted to improvements, and has built several commodious residences. The development of the town was so rapid that in 1885 he was induced to erect a commodious hotel building, the Adams House, which he still owns and has the management of. He is also the owner of three houses and lots in the town. At present he is a member of the board of aldermen, and at one time served as school director. He and wife are members of the old school Presbyterian Church. In matters political he has always voted the Democratic ticket, but is liberal minded.