Short Biography of Ephraim Adams & Rebecca Locke

REBECCA LOCKE, [183] m. Deacon EPHRAIM ADAMS, of New Ipswich, N. H., Nov. 18, 1762; being his 2d wife. Dea. Adams was the son of Thomas Adams, of Ipswich, (Mass.) and was one of the first settlers in New Ipswich, as was also his brother, Dea. Benjamin. For many years they were owners in common of a large farm, which they managed together, living in the most remarkable harmony. He was chosen Deacon 1762. "Dea. Adams was noted for his strong original sense and quaint humor. He took a leading part in the strong measures which preceded the Revolution; and when the war broke out did his full duty, both in the council and the field. Probably no man in the town did so much to procure soldiers and other means of the war. During his long residence here, he was oftener than almost any man, elected to the various town offices. He represented the town in the Provincial Congress, and was four years a Representative in the State Legislature, from 1782 to 1785, and was a soldier of the Revolution, and was present at the battle of White Plains. He was descended from William Adams, who was at Cambridge in 1635, but removed to Ipswich, (Mass.) before 1642. Deacon Adams d. Mh. 26, 1799, a. 72."(a) His wf. Rebecca was a strong-minded woman, and well performed her duties as a wife and mother. She d. 1822, a. 87.

Source: "Book of the Lockes: A genealogical and historical record of the descendants of William Locke, of Woburn. With an appendix containing a history of the Lockes in England, also of the family of John Locke, of Hampton, N. H., and kindred families and individuals" ¹⁴⁹⁸

EPHRAIM ADAMS, of New Ipswich, N. H., was born at Ipswich, Mass., 1724, son of Thomas, of Ipswich, grandson of John, and great grandson of WILLIAM, who was at Cambridge, 1628, and removed to Ipswich before 1642. He was a soldier in the French War, 1746. Soon after his return he married and removed to New Ipswich, N. H., of which he was one of the founders. He assisted in the organization of the church, and was elected the first deacon, and held the office until his death. He took a leading part in the strong measures which preceded the Revolution, and at the breaking out of the war did his whole duty, both in council and in the field. It is said that he did more than any man in the town to procure enlistments and means to carry on the war. The lukewarm and despondent were encouraged by his ardor, and the tories and croakers quailed under his satire and humor.

Source: "History of the Adams Family, with Biographical Sketches of Distinguished Descendants of the Several American Ancestors, Including Collateral Branches" ¹⁴⁹⁹

He was a soldier against the French about 1746, and after his return from service was married and came to New Ipswich, probably at the same time as his brother Benjamin, and settled upon N. D., 21, where his house, built at that early period, is still standing, another house of more recent construction having been added to it at the west side. This house was surrounded by "flankers" for protection against the Indians. There is, however, no tradition of their having been attachked, and in 1757 the town voted not "to repair Mr. Adam's flankers in order for defence." He was a leading citizen and had great influence in public matters, due not only to his sound sense but also to the clear and quaint methods in which his views were presented. He was not elected to office as frequently as his brother, being a selectman for only a single year, but he was relied upon in times of special stress. He represented the town in the Provincial Congress and for five years in the state legislature, was chairman of the Committee of Inspection, Correspondence and Safety when it was first chosen, and also at a later time when its duties were very arduous and its power was necessarily almost dictatorial, so that skilful management was almost as essential as earnest purpose; and in general his record bears the mark of a conscientious, patriotic, and well-balanced man. He also served in the field but evident carelssness in the company rolls makes it impossible to determine with certainty between his name and that of his oldest son. There seems to be no doubt, however, that he was in Capt. Smith's company at the battle of White Plains. He was one of the two deacons elected at the organization of the church.

Source: "The history of New Ipswich: from its first grant in MDCCXXXVI, to the present time: with genealogical notices of the principal families, and also the proceedings of the centennial celebration, September 11, 1850" ²³⁵⁶