Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams (died 1753) was a distinguished writer in Boston, Massachusetts, though a mechanic, or "tradesman," yet had a handsome collection of books and cultivated literature. Benjamin Franklin acknowledges his obligations for access to his library. He was one of the writers of the Essays in the New England Journal. He died poor, but with a reputation more durable than an estate, in 1753.

His son, John Adams

His son, Rev. John Adams, a graduate of 1745, was the minister of Durham, New Hampshire, from 1748 to 1778. By a grant of 400 acres (1.6 km²) of land he was induced to remove to the small plantation of Washington or Newfield, county of York, Maine, having only 5 families, in February 1781.

Here he passed the remainder of his life, preaching and practicing medicine in Newfield, Limington, Parsonsfield, and Limerick, until his death, June 4, 1792, aged 60.

He was subject occasionally to a deep depression of feeling; and at other times was borne away by a sudden excitement, which gave animation to his preaching. A letter from Durham to the town of Boston in 1774, with a donation, was written by him.

References

1. Allen, William. An American Biographical and Historical Dictionary: Containing an Account of the Lives, Characters, and Writings of the Most Eminent Persons in North America From Its First Settlement, and a Summary of the History of the Several Colonies and of the United States. 2nd ed. Boston: Hyde, 1832.