John Benjamin "Red" Adams     

February 25, 1899 - March 7, 1948 

John Benjamin "Red" Adams was born February 25, 1899 in Wheelock, Robertson County, Texas. His parents came to Texas from Henry County, Alabama a few years prior to his birth. He was the fifth child and third son of John Homer and Martha Ella (Allen) Adams. By 1900 the family had left Robertson County and was living near Iola in Grimes County, Texas. This is where "Red" grew to adulthood.

As a young adult "Red" was a farmer in Iola, Grimes County, Texas. He married Pearl Melvona Turner on March 22, 1917 in Iola. She was born August 14, 1899 to George William and Florence Rebecca (McLean) Turner. A short time after 1920 the family moved to Houston where "Red" worked for the City of Houston as a Trolley and Bus Driver. This was his occupation for many years until he became a Houston Firefighter on January 22, 1941 and was assigned to Station 18. His youngest child, James, was invited several times by the chief to come down and spend the night with his father to see what took place at the fire station. It was a fun thing for him.

There were four children:

Vera Verna who married Edwin Herman Rowold. Their only issue was Edwin Harold Rowold. Died at thirteen months.

Wilfred Edgar who married Evelyn Griffin. There were five children:

1) Joyce Elaine who married 1st Harry Clark. Their children were Pam, Patti, Sharon, and Linda. Joyce married 2nd Loren Jackowski 2) Linda who married Richard Bain. They have a daughter Danielle 3) Beverly who married 1st James Clayton. They have Deanna. 2nd Darrell Pugh and 3rd Roy Knabe 4) Wilfred Edgar, Jr. is married to Vicki Mello. Their children are Ashley and Shane. 5) Frances who married Ronald Toler. Children are Keith and Kelli.

John Benjamin, Jr. joined the Navy at a very early age and was killed in the South Pacific in a gun turret on the USS Boise three days out of Pearl Harbor. He was buried at sea.

James Hugh Adams who married 1st Marian Crouch. James, Jr. was born of this marriage. He married 2nd Valerie Maurer. Their children are David and Scott.

"Red" Adams was known as "Pops" by his daughter-in-law, Evelyn, and his grandchildren. There were four grandchildren born prior to his death.

Pearl (Turner) Adams died of leukemia in Houston, Texas on December 3, 1931. About two years later Johnny "Red" Adams married Mamie Parmer. Into this marriage she brought her children, Raymond and Evelyn, of which both are now deceased.

Mr. Adams was a member of the West End Baptist Church. He was very active in the Masonic Organization being a member of Park Place No. 1172 Masonic Lodge, and Arabia Temple. He was a Shriner and held the Scottish Rite Degree.

Note:

All the children of John and Pearl are deceased. The only living spouse of these children is Valerie, wife of James Hugh Adams. There are eight living grandchildren. Valerie and all the grandchildren are in the Houston area except Beverly, who lives near Dallas.

Author:                                                                              
 Valerie Adams                       
1915 Acacia
League City, Texas 77573
Telephone: (281) 332-1985
E-Mail vjadams@worldnet.att.net

 

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