Submitted by Descendants: William Gilbert ADAMS, Jr. & Ellie Ann ADAMS
Thomas Joseph Adams was the son of Thomas Adams and Mary Elizabeth Roberts, and was the grandson of Jacob Adams and Wyannie Malone, loyalists from South Carolina, that fled the union after the end of the American Revolution for the Bahamas were among the first to settle in Hope Town, Bahamas. Thomas Joseph was born on Saturday, 27 February 1819 in Hope Town, Bahamas and was baptized on 27 June 1819.
Thomas Joseph Adams married Elizabeth Ann Roberts circa 1837, in Abaco according to Christ Church Marriages.
Circa 1838, Thomas Joseph and Elizabeth left the Bahamas and settled in Key West. During that time as head of the household he made his living as mariner and a grocer. The 1840 United States Federal Census shows Thomas J employed in agriculture in Dade County, Florida Territory.
Thomas J and Elizabeth had a son Thomas Joseph Adams, Jr., and they are enumerated in the 1850 United States Federal Census. Thomas Joseph, Jr.’s age at the time of the census was 12 years, which would make his birth date circa 1838 and the first born on Florida soil. They made their home in Key West, Florida.
Thomas Joseph Adams lived, worked and raised his family in Key West, Florida. The Historic Key West Cemetery lists his death on 23 Mar 1906 at the age of 87 years.
Thomas Joseph Adams was first established as a Florida Pioneer in 1995