DEWITT C ADAMS HARVEY LEWIS Van HOESEN WELLS Dewitt C. ADAMS, now living a retired life in the city of Dundee, but who for years was one of the active, enterprizing and respected business men of this section of the state, is numbered among the old settlers who date their residence in Illinois since 1842. He was born in Cortland Co., NY, Jan. 29, 1824, and is of English decent, the family coming to this country at a very early date in its history. William ADAMS, his father, was born in Saratoga, Northumberland co., NY, in 1784, and was the son of Oliver ADAMS, also born in NY. Oliver ADAMS moved to Cortland co. about 1804, and there made a home in the wilderness, where he reared his family. William ADAMS married Phebe LEWIS, also a native of New York. After residing in Cortland Co. a number of years he removed to Syracuse, NY and resided there four years. In 1842, he came to Illinois and settled in Cook co., where he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the residence of his son, DeWitt C., in 1859. His wife survived him 5 years, passing away Jan 1, 1864. They were laid to rest in the cemetery at Dundee. William ADAMS was a well-posted man and while taking an active interest in political affairs never sought nor would he hold public office. In the family of William and Phebe ADAMS were three sons and two daughters who grew to mature years, as follows: Maria, wife of John Van HOESEN, of Hastings Minn. Oliver, who was for many years a publisher of school records in Chicago, is now deceased. He was well known throughout the state and elsewhere among educators as the publisher of Adams School Records and various school supplies which are yet used to some extent. DeWitt C., our subject, is next in order of birth. Harriet S. married Edward F. WELLS, with whom she removed to San Diego, CA, where she died. John C., who resides in Chicago, is a practical jeweler and was one of the original founders of the Elgin Watch Factory. He is now also living a retired life. One daughter Betsy died at the age of 14 years. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in Cortland Co., and in the city of Syracuse, NY. He had fair educational advantages, which he improved as well as possible, but is mostley a self educated man. He was 18 yrs of age when he came with the family to Cook Co., Ill. For three winters after his arrival there he taught in the public schools, being one of the pioneer teachers of Cook Co. His life work, however, was that of a farmer. Soon after coming of age he purchased 240 acres of land in Barrington tsp, which he put under a high state of cultivation and on which he resided for many years. In 1883, he rented the place and moved to Dundee, purchased some lots and built his present residence. Previous to this, however, he had become interested in business in that city, having become part owner in a lumber and coal yard. After his removal to the city he took an active part in the management of the business for several years, but lately sold out and is now practically living a retired life. Mr. ADAMS was married in Elgin Nov. 25, 1852, to Mary E. HARVEY, a native of NY, born in Herkimer Co., and a daughter of David HARVEY, a pioneer settler of Plato tsp., Kane Co. She was reared in this county, and received her education in the schools of Elgin. For some years previous to her marriage she was a successful teacher in the public schools. She died at her home in Dundee Feb. 19, 1895, leaving one son and one daughter. The son, William H., is now a business man residing in Chicago, while the daughter is Mary E. yet residing at home, and is her fathers housekeeper. She is a well educated lady, a graduate of the Loring Young Ladies School of Chicago. One daughter, Carrie, died at the age of seven years, while one son, Louie, died at the age of 2 1/2 years, and another, Charles, died at the age of 9 months. In early life, Mr. ADAMS was an old line Whig, and, like his father, was a strong believer in the principles of that party. A friend of liberty, he united with the Republican party on its organization, and voted for its first presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, in 1856. Being a strong temperance man, he has of late identified himself with the Prohibition party. He has ever been a friend of education and the public schools, and has at all times used his influence in their behalf. Religiously he is a Baptist, of which church he has been a member for 48 years. The cause of the Master has ever been dear to his heart, and he has ever been willing to sacrifice time and money to advance its interests. For some years he was an active member of the Masonic fraternity, but of late has been dimitted. (typed as printed) When Mr. ADAMS came to Illinois he had but little of this world's goods, but by his own labor and enterprise he has accumulated a valubale probperty, and is recognized as one of the substantial men of Kane co. He is a man of exemplary habits, of upright character and worth, and has the confidence and seteem of all who know him, and his friends are numerous both throughout Kane and Cook Co's. In the summer of 1895, Mr. ADAMS and his daughter made a trip to Europe, visiting a number of the cities and kingdoms of that land. They first visited Glasgow and North Scotland, including Edinburgh, through some of the German States, and Switzerland, Paris, Rome, London, and Liverpool, and altogether had a pleasant and profitable time. They returned home in the fall of the same year, feeling well repaid for the time and money spent. The Biographical Record of Kane Co., Ill. 1898 pg 25 Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above parties. 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