George W. Adams was born Feb 12, 1789 in Loudoun Co., Virginia, the son of Wilhelm (William) Adams. His parents were members of the New Jerusalem Evengelical Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, Loudoun Co., VA. George came to Muskingum as a young man of eighteen on his own. It is not known if he obtained land through his father's service in the Revolution or whether he purchased land from a speculator as no records exist as to why he came to Ohio. He settled in Monroe township in 1807 on land in the south western part of the township. He cleared land for a farm and lived and farmed there for five years.

When war broke out with England in 1812, George returned to Virginia and enlisted in the Virginia Militia. He served until the end of the war. While there, he lived with his parents. A short distance away lived Jacob Werts and family. Their daughter, Christina was 8 years George's junior. Though the two might have grown up knowing each other, it is doubtful any romance occurred until after George's return to Virginia. They were wed Dec 25, 1814 in Lovettsville. Six children were born to the couple in Virginia. In 1828, George returned to Muskingum settling again on his land in Monroe township.

George did not return alone. He not only brought back his wife and family, but her parents, George Peter Werts and Susannah Hoff, and some of Susannah's brothers. Many other families migrated to Muskingum from Loudoun Co., VA. and it might be that George Adams showed them the way. Another family of Adams also came to Muskingum from Fauquier Co., Virginia a neighboring county to Loudoun. The Littleton Adams family settled in Madison and Jefferson counties and is not related to George Adams' family. They are of English heritage while George W. Adams and family was German Lutheran. Littleton Adams did have a son named George Washington Adams but it is suggested that George W. Adams, the subject of this sketch, had a middle name of William, after his father. The two George W. Adams are often mistaken for each other.

After returning to Ohio, George lived in Monroe a few years and bought land in Salem township. It was here that George and Christina lived out their days. The only land record found eludes to land George already farmed in Monroe township. It was recorded Feb 10, 1831 for the east half of the southwest quarter of section 7, township 3, range 5 containing eighty acres. His son William W. Adams, followed him on the farm in Adamsville. George became very prosperous and respected in the community and voted the Democratic ticket.

The family were members of the New Hope Lutheran church and are buried in it's cemetery. George died Mar 24, 1875 and Christina preceded him Jul 20, 1871. They had eleven children most of whom remained in Muskingum. They married into other area families such as the Bainters, Ross and Hanks. One daughter, Susannah, married Dr. Henry Decker, a prominant physcian and resident of Adamsville.