Background
Andrew Adams was born on December 11, 1736 in Stratford, Connecticut, united States; the fourth son of Samuel and Mary (Fairchild) Adams.
Andrew Adams was born on December 11, 1736 in Stratford, Connecticut, united States; the fourth son of Samuel and Mary (Fairchild) Adams.
Adams attended Yale College, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1760. After that he studied law.
Adams began to practice in Stamford but in 1764 removed to Litchfield, which was his home for the rest of his life. He became a justice of the peace, judge of probate pro tempore, and king's attorney, for Litchfield County.
In 1776 he was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly, of which he was Speaker during four sessions. The Colonial Records of the State indicate his prominence, as he was frequently placed on committees to investigate petitions to the Assembly. He was also a member of the Council of Safety; major, later colonel, in the militia; and, for a short time, served in the army under Gen. Wooster. In October 1777 he was appointed a delegate to the Continental Congress, and held this position for three years. He signed the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union.
He was first nominated to the upper house of the Connecticut General Assembly in 1779, and three years later elected a member, holding this office until 1789, when he became an associate judge of the superior court, rising in 1793 to the position of chief justice which he held until his death.
Learned in theology, as well as in law and in military affairs, he was a deacon of the church, and, in the absence of the minister, filled the pulpit on several occasions.
Adams was a Freemason.
Adams was married to Eunice, youngest daughter of Judge Samuel and Abigail (Peck) Canfield, of New Milford, Connecticut.