dr. henry william adamson, 1811-1861

7/27/2019 Dr. Henry William Adamson, 1811-1861

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Dr. Henry W. Adamson, 24, enlisted in the 2nd Dragoons of the U.S. Army on

October 31, 1836, in New York. He served as a private and a swordmaster. He was at

Ft. Gamble in present-day Jefferson County, Florida, near Wacissa. He was 58, hadblue eyes, brown hair, and fair skin.

Exactly which company of the 2nd Dragoons that Henry Adamson was in is a

matter of conjecture. We know that he enlisted in New York, so it is quite certain that he

enlisted in one of the New York companies (E,F,G, or H). The record in the U.S. Army

Register of Enlistments, 1978-1914, has his particular company letters blurred on themicrofilm, although it seems certain that he served in Company F. It also appears that he

served in another company as well, although that company cannot be deduced from the

poor quality scan of this record.Dragoons used different tactics than cavalry. In the long history of the 2nd U.S.

Cavalry (formerly dragoons), very few were actually killed. They were well conditioned

in using the land and could live off of it very comfortably. Their horses were treated with

great care and were protected from harm, being used primarily for transportation ratherthan battle. Unlike the cavalry, who went into battle with sabers drawn and clanking with

buglers blaring away, the dragoons went into battle heavily armed and extremely stealthy,

similar to Navy Seals of today.

Dragoons learned a lot fighting the Seminoles in Florida, and would fan out andquietly sneak up on the enemy, often surrounded. They would wait patiently and, when

the time was right, they would close in with massive firepower to subdue the enemy.

In 1836, the 2nd Dragoons were issued the .54 calibre 1817 Common (Deringer)Rifle, which was converted to percussion. They were also issued the .36 calibre 5-shot

Colt Patterson with loading lever (the same firearm issued to Texas Rangers). The riflewas effective to over 100 yards, and the Colt Patterson could quickly be reloaded in the

field. As a result, the Dragoons had five times the firepower at close range than thestandard single-shot pistols of the era. Dragoons were expert shots.

On May 23, 1836, the United States Congress authorized President Andrew

Jackson to raise an additional regiment of dragoons, from which the 2nd Regiment of

Dragoons came into being. He appointed David E. Twiggs as Colonel; William S.

Harney as Lt. Colonel; and 30 captains, lieutenants, and second lieutenants for 10 newcompanies, which were to be raised from Missouri, Virginia, and New York. One

company, D, transferred from the 1st Regiment of Dragoons which was already in Floridaat the time. They engaged in their first hostile action on July 19, 1836, when Captain

Ashby repulsed a Seminole attack on a supply train they were escorting, killing one

private and wounding ten others.

On Christmas Day, 1836, companies E, F, G, and H sailed from New York toCharleston, South Carolina, with Henry W. Adamson among them. Company I joinedthem there and they proceeded to Florida, where they arrived at the mouth of the St.

Johns River (in present-day Jacksonville) in January 1837. They marched to Ft. Mellon

on Lake Monroe (present-day Sanford, Florida), where they arrived on February 8th. Two

days later, on February 10, 1837, they were attacked repeatedly by more than 200Seminoles during a three hour battle, with significant casualties on both sides, including

the death of Captain Mellon in the 2ndArtillery.

In April 1837, the remaining companies (A, B, C, and K) and their regimentalheadquarters moved to the new training facility at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis,

Missouri, under Colonel Twiggs. They left to join with the rest of the regiment in Florida

on September 5th, and they arrived in Jacksonville, Florida, after a march of 1,200 miles

in just 55 days.


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On September 9, 1837, three companies of the 2nd Dragoons and two companies

of Florida volunteers surrounded an Indian village, capturing it and the village chief,

King Phillip, at dawn.The 2nd Dragoons participated in many skirmishes, pitched battles, and lengthy

marches through much swampland facing an intelligent, skilled, illusive, and determined

foe. Despite the many success of the dragoons, their campaign did not completely

subdue the Seminoles.

By late May, 1839, companies A, E, G, H, I, and K, left Florida for FortColumbus, New York, and ended up at Fort McHenry, Maryland. They spent the

summer and early fall recruiting, equipping, and drilling. They left for Florida on

November 10, 1839, and arrived just before the New Year.After further campaigning, companies A,D,E,F, and G were ordered out of

Florida on October 17, 1841, and proceeded to Forts Jessup in Louisiana and Towson in

Arkansas. The remaining companies continued on campaigning until orders issued on

May 29, 1842, sent them to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During their whole service inFlorida, the 2nd Dragoons lost two officers and 20 enlisted men killed in action. They

also lost an additional five officers and 192 enlisted men who died due to the effects of

climate or disease.


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7 . T h e A d a m s o n F a m i l y

The earliest known ancestor of our Adamson family was Dr. Henry Wil-liam Adamson (1811-1861). He was born in London, England, on November 22,

1811. Henry was reared by pious parents, both members of the Presbyterian

Church.73 Considering that Adamson was a Scottish surname and that Presbyterian-ism never really took hold well in England, save for among Scottish expatriates, it is

very safe to assume that the Adamsons were originally from Scotland, perhaps

arriving in London a generation or two before Henry. In fact, almost all Presbyterianparishioners in England during that time period were of Scottish origin. Some

descendants believe that the Adamsons were originally from the Glasgow, Scotland,

region.

At any rate, in 1831, Henry married his first wife, Frances (1815-1843), in

London. They had a son in London less than two years later, Thomas Henry Ad-amson (1833-1844), and the three of them set sail six months after the childs birth to

New York on the ship Admiral Monsom,74 owned and operated by Captain Clay

Monsom. Their ship arrived in the port at New York City on Friday, August 23,1833. Frances is listed on the ships manifest as Mrs. Adamson. Henrys occupa-

tion was listed as gentleman, which clearly implies he was a man of substance who

had no need for an occupation.

The Adamsons lived in New York for some unknown period of time, andhad their first daughter there. They then moved to New Orleans, where their second

daughter was born, and Henry is said to have studied medicine there at Tulane

University and became a physician.

Dr. Adamson had at least three children by Frances:

1. Thomas Henry Adamson, born in February 1833, in London, England.Died circa 1844, in Whitesville, Duval (now Clay), East Florida.2. Frances Adamson, born in 1835, in New York City, New York.75

3. Victoria Adamson, born in 1839, in New Orleans, Louisiana.76The chronology of what happened next is not very clear, but it is certain that

Dr. Adamson moved to Whitesville,77 East Florida, on April 4, 1839,78 and he served

73 From his obituary, Tattnall Journal, April 1861.74 Port of New York, manifest of all the passengers on board theAdmiral Monson,

arriving in the port on August 23, 1833.75 1850 U.S. Census, Savannah, Georgia (Bethesda Orphanage).76 Ibid.


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7. The Adamson Family90

in the U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War. The details are not completely

known, but it is known that he enlisted in the 2nd Dragoons of the U.S. Army on

October 31, 1836, in New York City, as a private and a swordmaster, which is very

in line with his genteel upbringing in London. He is known to have been at Ft.Gamble in present-day Jefferson County, Florida, at some point, although he likely

traveled considerably during his service. He ultimately brought his family over to

Whitesville, Florida, by 1839.

The Adamsons would have likely known much hardship while living at

Whitesville, as technically it was an unstable war zone with the relative safety of thefort nearby. Fort Heileman was a major military post, arsenal, quartermasters depot,

hospital, rest camp, and a haven for refugees from the Second Seminole War.79 Italso served as a staging area for troops to be sent to other parts of the state. Fort

Heileman was established as a headquarters in 1836, by Major Hart, near the north

and south prongs of Black Creek near Gareys Ferry (present-day Middleburg), East

Florida. It was named in honor of the late Major Julius F. Heileman, who died earlier

in the year from over-exertion at the Battle of Micanopy.By the time that Dr. Adamson arrived at Fort Heileman, the local population

had increased enormously, as civilians sought security from the Indians. Militia units

were also mobilized into service and army units arrived in large numbers. The resultsof the overpopulation were disastrous, resulting in a major epidemic breaking out due

to the ignorance of proper hygiene in such cramped conditions. The results of this

epidemic were catastrophic, sickening hundreds, killing many, and causing once-fit

soldiers to be invalided out of service.80Many people today do not realize how deadly the Second Seminole War was

for Floridians, and how difficult the living conditions were of the inhabitants. The

Adamson family knew these dangers and discomforts very well. Soldiers and

civilians alike, traveling from post to post or town to town, were often killed inambush by Indians. There were also suicides, even amongst officers, and at least one

military post experienced a mutiny. These examples from theNiles Weekly Register

(1811-1849) present a few items of interest, which would have been very familiar

personally to Dr. Adamson and his family:

Gareys Ferry, May 17, 1839 Col. Harney has returned from thesouthern coast, bringing with him a chief and 14 others of the Mickasu-

77 Whitesville was located in Duval County, East Florida, at the time. Florida did notbecome a state until 1845, so East Florida was a territory at that time. The location of

Whitesville is now in present-day Clay County, and was about two miles from

present-day Middleburg. Whitesville no longer exists as a town, and Middleburg wasknown back then as Gareys Ferry.78 Blakey, Arch Fredric Parade of Memories, A History of Clay County, Florida,

Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press; Appendix A, page 271.79 Jones, William M., Fort Heileman, An Indian War Fort, Middleburg, Clay County,

Florida, unpublished manuscript, Jacksonville, Florida; 1969.80 Blakey, Arch Frederic General John H. Wider, C.S.A. Gainesville, FL: University

of Florida Press, p. 90.


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Our Ancestors 91

kie tribe; Sam Jones and Coacochee (Wildcat) will not come in until af-

ter peace is made.

Mutiny at Palatka, May 8, 1840 Lt. Merrils orders refused by troops.Company ordered to parade, they refused. Lt. Merril was subjected to

some violence. Dr. Hitchcock succeeded in knocking down several ofthe mutineers, order was partially restored. Captain Lawtons company

arrived in time to save lives of officers.

From St. Augustine, August 22, 1840 Every day brings us details ofsmall parties of dragoons and artillerymen and infantry, passing fromfort to fort, shot down, murdered, and mutilated by straggling Seminolesin ambush. And what is this prolonged carnage for? It results in noth-

ing but prodigal waste of the treasury, already nearly or quite exhausted,

and the beneficiaries are the grasping, greedy, unprincipled contrac-tors.

By the early 1840s, the war was still raging, but the Seminole Indians who

refused to move to the reservations out west gradually withdrew to the southern part

of Florida. The importance of Fort Heileman diminished and the post was abandonedon June 18, 1841. It is likely that there was still a certain amount of activity in the

area for a short time afterwards, but it likely diminished before long. Fort Heileman

still appeared on maps of the region in 1846, but it is unlikely that there was any

activity by that time.

It appears that the Adamsons decided to stay in the area as the war drew to aclose. Everyday life probably slowed down a bit as life became more peaceful and

secure. The Adamsons converted to Methodism during their time at Whitesville, and

they became involved in the local Methodist Church (likely the Black Creek Method-ist Church). On July 18, 1843, the Whitesville post office was moved to Gareys

Ferry.81

Tragedy struck on September 16, 1843, when Mrs. Frances Adamson died

suddenly in Whitesville at the age of 28. As their son, Thomas Henry, was still aliveat the time, it is presumed that he died shortly thereafter, as it is known the son was

dead before Dr. Adamsons removal to Georgia about three years later. It has been

said that they died of a fever but, if true, the type of contagion is currently not

known. In all likelihood, they died from yellow fever, typhoid fever, cholera,smallpox, or malaria. The obituary of Mrs. Frances Adamson states:

Departed this life, on the 16th September, 1843, at Whitesville, East Flori-da, in the 29th year of her age, Mrs. Frances Adamson, wife of Dr. H.W. Adamson.

Sister A. attached herself to the M.E. Church on the 14th of May last. Although her

stay among us has been short, her departure has afforded her bereaved husband and

other surviving friends the clearest evidence that their loss is her greatest pain. In

full view of death, she endured as seeing him who is invisible, frequently spoke of

her departure with the utmost composure, and expressed an entire resignation to the

81 The name Gareys Ferry changed to Middleburgh on May 1, 1851, and finally to

Middleburg on September 8, 1893.


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will of God. Although she left behind, an affectionate husband, and three small

children (who will long feel and mourn her loss,), who must have been strong ties by

which she was bound to earth, yet she met death like a good soldier of the cross. Oh

faith and grace of our Lord Jesus, for life and for death, how blessed is thine

influence! May the fullness of its inspiration be ours. Then shall we too depart, as

departed our friend, challenging death for its sting, and the grave for its victory.

A. Martin

Jacksonville, October 20, 1843.

In 1846, Henry took his two surviving daughters to Georgia. He put them inthe Bethesda Orphanage in Savannah while he set up his practice in the town of

Reidsville, Tattnall, Georgia, and he also apparently purchased a farm nearby.82

Life in the orphanage was not satisfactory for Frances and Victoria. Several

letters they wrote to their father survive, pleading for him to return and bring them

home. These letters were handed down in the line of Victoria, to her great-great-greatgrandchildren.83

Henry returned to Savannah sometime after 1850, to pick up his girls to

bring them home for good. The 1850 U.S. Census has Henry living alone in TattnallCo., Georgia, 35 years old, a physician, (and erroneously having been born in

Scotland). His daughters, Frances and Victoria, were still at the Bethesda Orphanage

at the time.

He married, secondly, Anna Brazell (1826-1887), sometimes spelled AnnieBraswell, on July 23, 1851, in Tattnall Co., Georgia, by Thomas S. L. Harwell, M.G.

She was the daughter of John Brazell and Elizabeth Burton.84 She was reportedly

unusually attractive, well known as the prettiest girl in Reidsville.85 They had the

following children; his last child was born shortly after his death:4. Richard Adamson, born 1851, in Tattnall Co., Georgia.5. Elizabeth Adamson, born 1853, in Tattnall Co., Georgia6. Emma Adamson, born 1855, in Tattnall Co., Georgia.7. Joseph Adamson, born 1858, in Tattnall Co., Georgia.

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A distant cousin claims that Adamsons land was toward Glennville fromReidsville on the west side of Shepherds bridge.83 Personal knowledge of Mrs. Mary Collins of Rockledge, Georgia, 2007. The lettersare now in the care of Mr. Stephen G. Merriman, Jr., in Savannah, Georgia. Mr.

Merriman is a descendant of Victoria Adamson and George Merriman.84 John Brazell married Elizabeth Burton of Screven Co., Georgia, on July 28, 1825,and they moved to Tattnall Co., Georgia, circa 1832. John was a merchant and

farmer in Tattnall County until 1867. Johns last will and testament was probated in

November 1867, but his place of burial is unknown. They raised nine children, and

two of their daughters married into the Sharpe and Tippins families, and their sons

fought in the Civil War with the Tattnall Co. Rangers and Volunteers of the 61st

Georgia Regiment of the Confederate Army.85 Mrs. Mary Collins of Rockledge, Georgia, personal knowledge.


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Our Ancestors 93

8. Anna Elizabeth Adamson, born in late 1861 or early 1862, in TattnallCo., Georgia, a few months after the death of her father.

There is another child who shows in the 1870 U.S. Census as being born in 1868. His

name is John Adamson. He was either an illegitimate child of Anna or, moreprobably, an adopted child or one of her grandchildren.

Henry was apparently small in stature and quite confident. He spoke with an

upper-class British accent, and was known to say, I cant, and I shant! (which was

pronounced as I cahnt ahnd I shahnt!).

He also invested in land around Tattnall County, and seemed quite smartwith financial matters. On January 5, 1858, Dr. Adamson purchased four lots in

Reidsville with improvements from the estate of fellow Englishman, AlexanderMcRae, who had originally purchased the property in 1849, and built a home on one

of the lots. Ownership of the house transferred to Dr. Adamson at that time.

Henrys house was a two-story, ten-room house (more recently called the

Smith-Brewton House,), and it was typical of many 19th century homes in Georgia,

in that it began modestly but was later enlarged and made more imposing. It could bedescribed as the Plantation Plain or two-up, two-down type, which has been

popular in the South since the 17th century. It had two upstairs rooms and two

downstairs rooms, plus the back wing consisting of two downstairs rooms later usedas a kitchen and dining room. It originally came with a detached kitchen, which was

later joined by a breezeway, before being removed in 1919. The original stairway

came down on the front porch outside the house.86

Dr. Adamson had previously joined the Methodist Episcopal Church inWhitesville, East Florida, in 1837. He became licensed to exhort in the church in

Reidsville in 1848. In 1859, he became licensed to preach, to which he apparently

devoted much energy. His preaching style has been described as instructive, plain,

and pointed, and found its way to the heart of the attentive hearer.Henrys eldest daughter, Frances, married William I. Toole, of Bulloch Co.,

Georgia, on March 4, 1857. Daniel Sikes, M.G., performed the ceremony. Their

marriage apparently was not a happy one. In 1858, they had a son together, named

William Henry Toole (1858-1946). By June of 1860,87 Frances and little Henry wereliving in the household of Joseph and Mary Mattox. It has been said that William

beat Frances and then abandoned her and their son. It is not known whatever

happened to William Toole after that.What is known, however, is that Frances remarried a younger man named

Robert J. Roland (1840-1909), who was from Ware County, Georgia. They weremarried on January 6, 1870, in Tattnall County. They had four daughters, namely

Victoria (b. April 14, 1870), Frances W. (b. September 13, 1872), Emma M. (b.

November 29, 1874), and Anna (born in 1878). All were born in Reidsville.On April 4, 1890, Frances Adamson Roland died in Reidsville. Her

husband, Robert, remarried on June 20, 1899, to a Martha J. Taylor, and they

86Tattnall Journal, Tattnall County, Georgia, July 19, 1973. This house was torn

down in 1973 for commercial development.87 According to the 1860 U.S. Census for Tattnall County, Georgia.


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removed to nearby Toombs County, where they had a son, James Walton Roland, on

February 19, 1905. William Henry Toole apparently followed his step-father and

half-siblings to Toombs County. He had earlier married a woman in Reidsville,

around 1875, named Mary, and they had eight children between 1877 and 1896:Walton, Ira, Cornellia, Sarah Elizabeth, Henry William, Fannie, Jonathan, and Lida

Toole. William Henry Toole died on June 21, 1946, in Lyons, Toombs, Georgia.

Henry Adamsons second daughter, Victoria, married George I. Merriman

on March 20, 1861, about a month before her fathers death. They were married by

William J. Jordan, M.G. George was from Connecticut.Dr. Adamson was a member of the Tattnall County Rising Sun Lodge,

Number 20, of the Grand Lodge of Georgia in 1854. They used to meet regularly onthe first Saturday after the full moon in each month.

Henry clearly fell seriously ill around the summer of 1860, and he had to

cease preaching during that time, much to his dismay. That winter, he was rarely to

be seen outside his home. His friend, William J. Jordan, evidently visited him

frequently during that time. Henry had evidently taken a turn for the worst by mid-April, for he wrote a will on April 13, 1861. It is recorded in the Tattnall Co.,

Georgia, courthouse:

A Record of the Last Will and Testament of H.W. Adamson, Deceased.

State of Georgia

Tattnall County

In the name of God, Amen. I, Henry W. Adamson of said state and county being in

feeble health but of sound and disposing mind and memory knowing that I must

shortly depart this life deem it right and proper both as respects my family and myself

that I shall make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has

blessed me I do therefore make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and

annulling all others by me heretofore made.

First, I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian-like

manner suitable to my circumstances and condition in life, my soul I trust shall return

to rest with God who gave it as I hope for salvation through the merits and atonement

of the blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Second, I desire and direct that all my just debts be paid without delay by my

executors herein after named and appointed.

Thirdly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my beloved wife, Anna, my negro woman,

Mary, and all my household and kitchen furniture without limitation or reserve. Also,

my gold watch.

Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my two daughters, Frances E. Tool and Victory

Merriman in equal shares, my negro fellow of every which I value at fifteen hundred

dollars, the share of my daughter, Frances E. Tool, I desire not to be subject to the

debts liabilities of her present husband, William J. Tool.


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Our Ancestors 95

Fifthly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my sons, Richard and Joseph, to my daughters,

Elizabeth and Emma, and any other that may be born hereafter, share and share alike

my negro fellow, Jim, the whole of my lands lying and being in the County and State

aforesaid, also all of my stock consisting of my horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep,

likewise, all of my farming utensils of every description.

Sixthly, I desire my wife, Anna, shall retain the possession of all the property herein

conveyed to my children in the fifth item of this, my will, during her widowhood, andto manage and control the same as she may think best for the support and education

of my children.

Seventhly, I desire that my debts shall be paid as follows to wit: By using what money

I may be possessed of notes and book accounts and if there be not an amount

sufficient then my executors hereinafter named to sell my wagon and horses.

Eighthly, I desire all of my book and surgical instruments to be sold only such as my

wife, Anna, and two daughters, Frances and Victoria, may desire to keep for their

own use in that case they or either of them may make such selection as they think

proper and retain them and appropriate the same to their own use.

Ninthly, I hereby constitute and appoint my wife, Anna, Executrix and my son-in-law,

George I. Merriman, Executor of this my last will and testament this April 13, 1861.

H.W. Adamson

Signed, sealed, declared, and published by Dr. Henry W. Adamson as his last will and

testament in the presence of us, the undersigned, who subscribed our names hereto in

the presence of said testator at his special instance and request and in the presence of

each other this April 13th, 1861.

Alex. W. Daley

A.P. Moore

A. P. McRae

Mr. Jordan wrote that, before he died, Dr. Adamson had difficulty worryingabout how his wife and children would fare without him, but that he ultimately

decided that God would take care of them. He quoted the dying Dr. Adamson, I

have the victory over that I feel that if we must part, God will take care of them, so Iam now ready to go. Mr. Jordan wrote that Henry remained in that state of mind

unto the last. At about noon of the day he died, I went to see him, and found his mind

clear. All afternoon he seemed to think of nothing but heaven and immortal glory,often exclaiming, Bless the Lord, for that perfect peace I feel. Among his last words

were, The best of all is, the Lord is with me all the while.

Henry died on Tuesday, April 23, 1861, at his home in Reidsville, Tattnall,Georgia. His cause of death was listed as consumption, which is an archaic medical

term for pulmonary tuberculosis. Dr. Adamson is buried under a large obelisk in the


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Adamson Cemetery, now known as the Reidsville Cemetery in Reidsville. His

obituary states:

The Rev. H.W. Adamson died of consumption near Reidsville, Ga., on 23d

April, 1861.

He was born in London 22d November, 1811, reared by pious parents, both

members of the Presbyterian Church. He grew up a steady youth. In his 21st year he

was married in his native land, and came to New York perhaps in 1833. In 1837, he

went in to the Indian war in Florida; in 1844 lost his wife, and about 1846 he locatedat Reidsville, and engaged in the practice of medicine extensively and successfully. In

1851 he was married to Miss Anna Brazell, of Reidsville, who is now with two littlechildren, and two daughters by the first marriage, left to mourn their loss. He joined

the M.E. Church in 1837, and ever after lived with an eye single to the glory of God.

In 1848 he was licensed to exhort; in 1859, to preach, to which high calling he

devoted his mind, strength, and energy. His preaching was instructive, plain, and

pointed, and found its way to the heart of the attentive hearer. Some months before

his death he was unable to preach, but he often wished to get able to do so. Through

the past winter he was out but little, yet it was my privilege to visit him frequently,

and ever found him composed and happy in a Saviours love. He had a hard struggle

on account of his wife and children; but, said he, I have the victory over that I feel

that if we must part, God will take care of them, so I am now ready to go. He

remained in that state of mind unto the last. About noon of the day he died I went to

see him, and found his mind clear. I cant stay here much longer; but what of that?

I am ready to depart and be at rest. Bless God for perfect peace. All the afternoon

he seemed to think of nothing but heaven and immortal glory, often exclaiming Bless

the Lord, for that perfect peace I feel. Thus his heart was filled to overflowing, and

among his last words were, The best of all is, the Lord is with me all the while.

Anna Adamson was pregnant at the time of Henrys death, and that child

was our ancestor, Anna Elizabeth Adamson (1861-bef. 1892), who later married

Jasper Lewis Tom Wilson. See WILSON.


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A record of the last will and testament of H.W. Adamson, Deceased.

State of Georgia

Tattnall County

In the name of God, Amen. I, Henry W. Adamson of said state and county being in feeble health but of sound and disposing

mind and memory knowing that I must shortly depart this life deem it right and proper both as respects my family and myselfthat I shall make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has blessed me I do therefore make this my last

will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all others by me heretofore made.

First, I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian-like manner suitable to my circumstances and

condition in life, my soul I trust shall return to rest with God who gave it as I hope for salvation through the merits and

atonement of the blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Second, I desire and direct that all my just debts be paid without delay by my executors herein after named and appointed.

Thirdly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my beloved wife, Anna, my negro woman, Mary, and all my household and kitchen

furniture without limitation or reserve. Also, my gold watch.

Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my two daughters, Frances E. Tool and Victory Merriman in equal shares, my negro fellow of

every which I value at fifteen hundred dollars, the share of my daughter, Frances E. Tool, I desire not to be subject to the debts

liabilities of her present husband, William J. Tool.

Fifthly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my sons, Richard and Joseph, to my daughters, Elizabeth and Emma, and any other that

may be born hereafter, share and share alike my negro fellow, Jim, the whole of my lands lying and being in the County and

State aforesaid, also all of my stock consisting of my horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, likewise, all of my farming utensils ofevery description.

Sixthly, I desire my wife, Anna, shall retain the possession of all the property herein conveyed to my children in the fifth item

of this, my will, during her widowhood, and to manage and control the same as she may think best for the support andeducation of my children.

Seventhly, I desire that my debts shall be paid as follows to wit: By using what money I may be possessed of notes and book

accounts and if there be not an amount sufficient then my executors hereinafter named to sell my wagon and horses.

Eighthly, I desire all of my book and surgical instruments to be sold only such as my wife, Anna, and two daughters, Frances

and Victoria, may desire to keep for their own use in that case they or either of them may make such selection as they thinkproper and retain them and appropriate the same to their own use.

Ninthly, I hereby constitute and appoint my wife, Anna, Executrix and my son-in-law, George I. Merriman, Executor of this

my last will and testament this April 13, 1861.

H.W. Adamson

Signed, sealed, declared, and published by Dr. Henry W. Adamson as his last will and testament in the presence of us, the

undersigned, who subscribed our names hereto in the presence of said testator at his special instance and request and in the

presence of each other this April 13th, 1861.

Alex. W. DaleyA.P. Moore

A. P. McRae


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dr. henry william adamson, 1811-1861

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