Born at Plaistow, in Essex, Oct 16th, 1805, the son of James Adams, who owned and farmed many acres at Beamerside, Plaistow. Educated at Reading Grammar School, Dr Richard Valpy, the well-known classic, being then headmaster. Entered the London Hospital as a student and was articled to John Goldwyer

Born at Rew, Malborough, South Devon on 11 June 1851, eighth child and fourth son of Richard Adams, yeoman farmer, and Mary Dorothy Fairweather his wife. His elder brother, James Adams, FRCS, was the third son in the family, and Josiah Oake Adams, FRCS, was his cousin. John Adams was educated at Dr