John Adams was born in Albemarle County about 1844. Described as a free mulatto, measuring 5 feet, 8 inches tall, he worked as a waiter prior to serving in the Union army. At the age of 21, he enlisted in Company G of the 30th USCT Infantry Regiment at Wilmington, North Carolina, on March 3, 1865, and saw detached service in the 3rd Division's ambulance corps. Adams served until December 10, when he was mustered out with his regiment at Roanoke Island. He did not file a pension and his whereabouts after the war are unknown.