James Robert Adams

b. circa 2 May 1840, d. 9 November 1912
  • James Robert Adams was born circa 2 May 1840 in Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tennessee.
  • He married Caroline Catherine Cook, daughter of Andrew Jackson Cook and Sarah Juliet Evelina Mitchell, on 27 April 1881 in Montgomery County, Alabama.
  • James Robert Adams and Caroline Catherine Cook appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, at 2921 Avenue I. Other members of the household included Roberta C. Adams, James Robert Adams Jr., Evelyn Blue Adams, Kathleen Adams and Robert Leslie Adams.
  • He was in the real estate and insurance business, according to the 1900 census.
  • James Robert Adams and Caroline Catherine Cook appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, at 2921 Juniper Avenue. Other members of the household included Roberta C. Adams, James Robert Adams Jr., Evelyn Blue Adams, Kathleen Adams and Robert Leslie Adams. Note that Evelyn Blue Adams Meadow is enumerated with her family as an unmarried daughter although she married the previous year and is also enumerated with her husband in his parents' household.
  • He was employed as a salesman of mining stocks, according to the 1910 census.
  • James Robert Adams died on 9 November 1912 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, at 2921 Juniper Avenue at his residence.
  • His wife Caroline Catherine Cook became a widow at his death.
  • He was interred at Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.
  • The following appeared on 11 November 1912 in The Montgomery Advertiser: (Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 10) James Robert Adams, one of Birmingham's prominent and most highly esteemed citizens, passed away yesterday at his residence, 2921 Juniper avenue. He was one of the pioneer upbuilders of this city and his death will be regarded as a distinct loss to the community.
         Mr. Adams was born in McNary county, Tenn., May 2, 1840. His parents, George Grigg Adams and Priscilla Combs Adams, were both Virginians. The deceased was reared and educated in Bolivar, Tenn., where, at the outbreak of the civil war, he enlisted as an orderly sergeant in Company A of the 22nd Tennessee Regiment. He was captured on General Richard Taylor's staff during Wilson's invasion of Selma and Montgomery. At the close of the war Mr. Adams moved to Montgomery and there engaged in the insurance and banking business. He was the founder of the Adams Cotton Mills of Montgomery.
         In 1888 Mr. Adams moved to Birmingham, where he had since resided, engaging here in the real estate business. He owned much valuable property.
         In Montgomery Mr. Adams married Fannie Elizabeth Murray, October 17, 1865. From this marriage two children survive, J. Beecher Adams and Mrs. Theodore Koenig, Jr., both of Birmingham. In 1879, he married Allie Hutchinson, who lived only a short while, and in 1881 he married Katie Cook, who survives him, together with five children of this marriage, to-wit: James, Leslie, Roberta and Kathleen Adams, and Mrs. Bert Meadow. The deceased is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Cornelius B. Wright, of Bessemer.
         Mr. Adams was a consistent member of the Baptist Church for many years, but about six years ago joined the First Church of Christ Scientist, in Birmingham. He had a fine war record and was one of the honored members of Camp Hardee.
         Mr. Adams was a gentleman of distinguished bearing and was proverbially courteous and kindly in his greetings. He was a familiar figure upon the streets and he will be greatly missed.
         The funeral will take place from the family residence on Juniper avenue this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The services will be conducted by the Rev. Preston Blake. T.
  • Last Edited: 3 Jul 2014

Family: Caroline Catherine Cook b. circa 19 October 1855, d. 24 June 1933