Benjamin Adams, of Tipton County, Tennessee, was born in Sumner County, Tennessee on April 12, 1812. He is the son of Collins and Martha Goodsum Adams, both natives of Virginia.
Parents
His father was born in 1768 and was married twice: first to Miss Mary Tias, a native Southampton, Virginia and by this marriage had two sons and a daughter. Collins’ wife died in 1801 or 1802, and in 1804 he married Miss Martha E. Goodsum. Together they had seven children. The father did not unite with a church but was a true Methodist. Therefore, all his children were baptized in infancy. He died in 1814. Martha was also a devout Methodist and died in 1851.
Loss of Inheritance
Benjamin Adams received a good education at Rural Academy, in Sumner County, and at an early age commenced farming. His father died when he was an infant, and upon the division of Collins’ considerable estate, many slaves fell to Benjamin’s share. A guardian was appointed to look after Benjamin’s interests. However, tragedy struck when all his slaves, excepting one, were poisoned by an old negro woman. After losing his slaves, which constituted most of his property, he came to West Tennessee and settled in Tipton County.
Move to Tipton County
As one of the early settlers and by untiring energy and perseverance, he was soon able to own a little farm. Since the acquisition, he was able to gradually expand his holdings. Resulting in his owning 890 acres of the best land in Tipton County. Although he was of advanced years, he superintends his farm himself which yields a large income.
Marriage to Miss Sarah
On October 22, 1835, he married Miss Sarah T. Brown, a native of Sumner County, Tennessee. Miss Sarah was born in May 1814 and died in February 1880.
Mr. Adams is a sound Democrat and a strict member of the Methodist Church and one of the prominent and worthy citizens of Tipton County.
[Source: Goodspeed’s History of Tennessee (1887)]
Benjamin Adams was married to Sarah P Brown according to their marriage certificate. Sarah Parrotte Brown was born in May of 1814 but, according to her headstone she died in 1878. They had a daughter named Benetta D Adams who is also buried with them in the Clopton Cemetery.