8. | Joel Adams was born on 4 Feb 1750 in Culpeper Co., Virginia, USA (son of James Adams and Agnes Walker); died on 9 Jul 1830 in Richland County, SC. Notes:
History of the Adams Family by James Hopkins Adams:
"According to tradition, Joel Adams ran away from home when he was very
young because of an intense dislike for his stepfather. Apparently he was
about eighteen years of age when he came to lower Richland County in 1768
and obtained a grant of land adjoining the property of William Weston.
Although lacking a fornmal education, Joel Adams was a very intelligent,
hardworking, courageous and ambitious man of the highest character. By
his own merits he amassed a fortune.
It is told that his courtship of Grace Weston was long and persistent.
So many times did she refuse him that he resolved never again to ask her
to marry. Nevertheless, one day while riding, his horse by habit turned
in to the Weston home, and Joel decided to try once more. They were
married, and lived a long and happy life together."
"Joel's portarait represents him as stern-looking, yet not unkind, with
mingled determination and sincerity stamped on his countenance. He was
remarkable for his physical strength as well as his moral energies. His
sayings have been handed down, one being: 'You can close the door against
a thief, but you cannot bar a door against a liar.' There is also handed
down a feat of strength that reminds one of the ancient mile:
'On one occasion, when he was having his cattle branded, one of the
bulls became infuriated and put the rest of the attendants and spectators
to flight in terror for their lives. Joel, then sixty years old, seized
the animal by the horns, threw him on the ground and held him there until
the proper person could return and apply the brand.'
His well-built, handsomely finished residence was burned by Sherman's
army in 1865. It was the center of his large landed estate, and there, on
every Christmas for years before his death, it was his pleasure to
assemble all of his descendants and entertain them with lavish cheer."
From Laura Jervey Hopkins' Lower Richland Planters
Joel married Grace Weston on 28 Dec 1773 in Congaree, SC. Grace (daughter of William Weston and Sarah Luten) was born on 27 Sep 1752 in Bertie County, NC; died on 23 Dec 1832 in Congaree, SC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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