There were many Scotch Irish in the area of Tennessee where they settled. Others doing research believe my great, great, great, grandfather was called Sylvester.  He was another busy fellow who married at least three times, the first and third wives both named Elizabeth. My great, great, great, grandmother, according to this theory, was the middle or second wife, Anna. This is the first time I’ve ever heard the name.

A census record shows that Sylvester (Put three greats in front of him.) came from Virginia.  Perhaps he came to work on building the railroad, as so many Irish did. After the railroad was finished, many of these Irish stayed and settled down in an area they called Erin because it reminded them of Ireland. But I don’t even know that he was Irish. 

Most people doing research on the Adams name seem to be trying to find ties to John Quincy Adams. It is doubtful that we are part of that lineage. They were wealthy gentry from Massachusetts. We, on the other hand, were poor, working farmers who had large families to work the farms. But, it takes all kinds to settle a new land, doesn’t it?

We found a census that John Calvin filled out which names my grandfather as his grandchild, further confirmation that we are following the correct lineage. 

Another popular ancestral line to research is to Samuel Adams, American patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence, who was at the Boston Tea Party. He was actually a cousin to John Adams, according to what I've read, and another improbable ancestor.

I don’t understand why all of this is so overwhelming to me. Last night I sent an email to the great granddaughter of the sister of my own great grand mother. I had never heard of her before yesterday. Imagine how surprised she is going to be! 

We are now seven generations from my grandson. I think I will go cry for a while. I don’t know where this will end, And the more I learn, the more difficult the puzzle becomes.