The Biographical Dictionary of America/Adair, John

ADAIR, John, senator, was born in Chester county, S. C. in 1759. He was a volunteer in the revolutionary army; was made a prisoner and obliged to endure very great suffering. In 1787 he removed to Kentucky, where he became prominent in the public affairs of that state, distinguished himself in Indian fights by his bravery and sagacity, and was made register of the Kentucky land office in 1805. He was a member of the convention that framed the constitution of the state of Kentucky, and was a representative in the state legislature and speaker of the house. In 1805-6 he was United States senator. At the time of Aaron Burr's treason, Adair was thought to be connected with it, and for a time he was rather unpopular, but people shortly became convinced that Adair had sympathized with Burr simply from his belief that the government was sanctioning his action. In 1813 he was aide to Governor Shelby in the battle of the Thames, and two years later he served under General Jackson as adjutant-general at the battle of New Orleans. He was prominent in politics, was elected governor of Kentucky in 1820, serving four years, and from 1831 to 1838 represented his district in Congress. His name is held in high esteem throughout Kentucky, and Adair county was named in his honor. He died May 19, 1840.