Adlum, John, 1759-1836

John Adlum was a viticulturalist and surveyor.

From the description of Miscellaneous manuscripts, 1832. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 190885990

Soldier in American Revolutionary Army and in provisional forces; famed viticulturist.

From the description of Letter : Philadelphia, to Aaron Ogden, 1799 June 17. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 22191383

John Adlum (April 29, 1759-March 14, 1836) was born in York, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Catherine Adlum. Adlum volunteered for service in the Pennsylvania militia at the beginning of the American Revolution, and joined Washington's forces near New York. The main body of Washington's troops withdrew, however, leaving Adlum's regiment among those left to defend Fort Washington against superior British forces. After the British captured Ft. Washington, Adlum was taken as a prisoner of war and held in New York City for over a year. Upon his release, he worked as a surveyor in central and northern Pennsylvania, and later reentered the Army to become a major in the Provisional Army and Brigadier General in the Pennsylvania Militia. Later in life, Adlum also became a well known viticulturist and author on winemaking.

From the guide to the John Adlum papers, Adlum, John papers, 1794-1808, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)