Portrait and biographical record of Christian County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and   representative citizens, together with biographies of all the Governors of the state, and of the Presidents of the United States.  Chicago, Ill. : Lake City Pub. Co., 1893.  Transcribed by Judy Rosella Edwards, 2007.

ISOM ADAMS, an extensive farmer of Prairieton Township, is one of the honored early settlers of Christian County. His home is on section 21, where he has resided since 1856, having succeeded to a portion of his father's old homestead. He was a lad of only five years when his parents permanently located here, and thus he has passed over half a century in this immediate locality. Our subject was born in Montgomery County, Ky., February 21, 1831, his parents being Allerton and Elizabeth (Gordon) Adams, who were both likewise from the Blue Grass region. The father followed agricultural pursuits in his native State, and removed to Illinois in 1833, spending a few years in Sangamon County. In 1836 he made a settlement in what is now known as Adams Grove, this county, where he developed a large farm and reared his family. Isom Adams is the eldest son and second in order of birth in a family of seven sons and three daughters, who with the exception of one brother all grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject's youth was passed on his father's homestead, where he remained until grown. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Jacobs, and for five years after this event he continued on his father's farm. In 1856 he removed to the place which he still cultivates. As the years passed, he added to his original inheritance, until he now possesses over seven hundred acres of valuable and fertile land. His farm is one of the most thrifty and well-kept places in the county, and has been entirely developed from its virgin state by the owner. Mis. Adams was called from this life in January, 1854, and left two children, namely: Nancy Isabel, now deceased, who was the wife of William Gordon, of Macon County; and one child who died in infancy. In April, 1858, Mr. Adams was again married, Miss Lydia Bilyeu becoming his wife. She is a daughter of John Bilyeu, one of the honored early settlers of this region. Mrs. Adams is a native of Sangamon County, Ill., and by her marriage became the mother of thirteen children. The two eldest are deceased, Allington dying in infancy, and Josiah at the age of sixteen years. Elizabeth is the wife of George Crews; John is a well-to-do farmer of Christian County; Lucy J. is the wife of James Workman; Sallie Ann is the wife of Alexander Mathews, also of this county; Virenda is the wife of Jacob Bilyeu ; Wilbur is a prosperous farmer of Macon County; James is assisting in carrying on the homestead; and Minerva, Thomas J., Malinda and Isom complete the surviving members of the family. Mrs. Adams is a member of the Christian Church, in which she is an earnest worker. Our subject has always been known as a friend to education, and is a firm believer in our excellent public school system. He served for a number of years as a member of the School Board, but has never cared for political preferment. For over half a century he has taken his share in forwarding all enterprises tending to the development and good of this section, and is favorably known in this and adjoining counties. He and his estimable wife enjoy the friendship and high esteem of their many friends and neighbors, and are well worthy to have their names placed in this biographical record of representative citizens.

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