David L. Adams

David L. Adams (who often went by his middle name, Leroy) was born in Plymouth on August 18, 1833. His parents, James and Ursula Adams had been among the earliest settlers in the area. He married Harriet Stevens on February 17, 1859 at Canton. The couple would eventually have seven children: Cyrus E., Charlotte E., William D., Etta L., John Q. M., Lizzie, and Ada J. By the summer of 1862 he was working a farm in Canton Township

He enlisted in Company C on August 6, 1862. He was older than most of the volunteers; he was 28. His company was mustered into service on August 15, 1862. His brother-in-law, Newell Stevens enlisted a few days later in Company D.

Not much is known of his service prior to the Gettysburg. Curtis (p. 395) notes that David claimed to have carried the colors at Gettysburg for a brief time, although the conventional accounts of the battle make no reference to this. In the confusion of the withdrawal to Cemetery Hill, David Adams became separated became separated from his comrades and fell into Confederate hands.

He was taken south by Lee's retreating army. After 19 days, he was able to make his escape near Staunton, Virginia. He was eventually recaptured in Pendleton County, West Virginia. He was taken to Libby prison in Richmond. He was in the prison hospital from August 8, 1863 to September 21, 1863. Although the State Adjutant General indicates that he was paroled on August 30, 1863, he may have to weak to immediately begin the journey.

David was still not fit for field duty, and he was a patient in the Navy Yard Hospital for a time, one source says until June 28, 1864. He was thereafter assigned to duty at the Annapolis Parole Camp as a hospital steward until March 10, 1865. He was given a much deserved furlough later March 1865, rejoining the Regiment at Camp Butler in April. He was promoted to Corporal, probably after his return to duty with the Regiment. He mustered out with the Regiment on June 30, 1865 at Detroit.

After the war, David moved his family to Wayne, where he made a living as a carpenter and joiner. Later in life he was a member of the Reuben Cory Post No. 261 G.A.R. and served as post commander. He survived until at least 1905, as he is listed in the Roster of the Survivors of the Iron Brigade published in that year.

David L. Adams

Much of the information for this biography is courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum. Used with permission.