Charles ADAMS

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2nd son of the second President of the United States, John Adams, and his wife Abigail Smith Adams. Charles' early life was adventuresome, as he traveled abroad with his father and older brother John Quincy, even returning on his own and becoming "lost" for a period of time. He was trained as lawyer, attending Harvard, and set up practice in New York City. He married Sarah Smith, the sister of his brother in law, William Smith, who had married Abigail "Nabby" Adams. He became involved in dubious business dealings, and many written articles question various aspects of his life, relationships, and dealings. As with others in the family, he relied upon alcohol to divert himself, eventually succumbing to its effects. He and Sarah had two daughters, Susannah and Abigail. Charles father ahborred Charles' lifestyle and its affects, and near the end of Charles' life, wrote him off as unworthy of his attention, love and respect. Charles died in despair at the young age of 30. Estranged from his family due to his father's opinions, he was not allowed to be buried in the family plot, as it was preferred that he simply be put to the past and forgotten. Another Find-A-Grave Memorial indicates burial at the family plot in the Hancock Cemetery in Quincy, MA, which is incorrect. An account of his death at the time [ W. W. (Wesley Washington) Pasko. Old New York : a journal relating to the history and antiquities of New York City] indicates that he was buried on 2 Dec 1800, with full military honors, in the "Old Presbyterian Burial Ground". This is assumed to be the original location of the First Presbyterian Church at 5 Wall Street, NYC. The church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1835, and remains were re-interred at other locations, many being moved to Green-Wood Cemetery. His present burial site is unknown, though we continue to search so that he may be properly remembered.

Bio by: Peter Jennings Talbot

Charles married Sarah SMITH on 29 Aug 1795. Sarah (daughter of John SMITH and Margaret STEPHENS) was born on 06 Nov 1769 in New York, USA; died on 08 Aug 1828 in Utica, Oneida Co., New York; was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica, Oneida Co, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]