My Genealogy Hound

John Q. Adams, one of the largest land owners of Scotland County, was born in Adams County, Ohio, on November 7, 1829. He is the third of seven children born to the marriage of Robert Adams and Nancy Oxyer. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his parents, John and Susan Adams, came to Adams County, Ohio, in 1804, and reared their family there. Robert Adams followed the business of farming, and also carried on a tannery. He was twice married, the first time to a Miss Elizabeth Baird, November 11, 1813. To them were born six children, viz.: Julia Anna, James H., Mary Jane B., Emily S., Moses N. and Rebecca Elizabeth. The second marriage was to Miss Nancy Oxyer, the mother of our subject, January 24, 1824. To this union were born seven children named as follows: William H. H., Michael A. T., John Quincy, Robert C., Alexander, Sarah A. and Chambers. The mother of our subject is still living, and is about eighty-five years of age. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Michael Oxyer, was one of the early settlers of Kentucky, and was, at the age of seventeen years, tomahawked, scalped and left by the Indians. He recovered, however, and lived to the age of ninety-five years. John Q. remained at home until reaching his majority, and in the spring of 1851 removed to Illinois, locating in Hancock County. In 1854 he came to Scotland County, and located near his present residence, where he entered a tract of 240 acres of land. His first house, a log-cabin, is still standing. In 1872 he erected a handsome residence, and the next year built one of the best barns in the county at a cost of $3,000. When he reached Quincy, Ill., he had less than $300, but by industry and superior business ability he has succeeded in accumulating a handsome competency. He owns 1,100 acres of land well stocked and improved. In May, 1886, he established a store at Lawn Ridge which he has since continued. He was, married, December 5, 1850, to Margaret A. McEldowney, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of William and Jane (Thomas) McEldowney. To their union have been born seven children: Nancy J. (Mrs. Oscar Hamilton), Charles T., William A., Robert L., Oscar E., John Q., Jr., and George B. Mrs. Adams’ entire family are members of the Christian Church.