The Biographical Dictionary of America/Adams, John (educator)

ADAMS, John, educator, was born in Canterbury, Conn., Sept. 18, 1772, son of John Adams, a soldier in the war for independence. He was educated at Yale college, and was graduated in 1795, while teaching his profession, and began his labors in his native town, where he conducted an academy for three years. He then removed to Plainfield, N.J., where he was made rector of the academy. In 1803 he was chosen principal of the Bacon academy, Colchester, Conn., where he remained seven years, when he removed to Andover, Mass., as principal of Phillips academy. Here for twenty years he directed the preparatory training of many of the nation's greatest minds, and as well helped to organize and advance numerous charitable associations, which have since become of national renown. In 1833, in connection with the work of the American Sunday school union, he went to Illinois, where he personally organized over five hundred Sunday schools. Yale conferred upon Mr. Adams the degree of LL.D. in 1854. He died April 24, 1863.