In the 1850's, John Adams arrived in Woods Creek (Jamestown Ca.) where he opened a small trading post and tavern. As a hasty business person and a heavy gambler, he soon found himself in financial ruin. With no relief in sight, Adams abandoned his wife and children for a life in the Sierra Wilderness. Necessary to survive, Adams refined his skills as a hunter and trapper, with a knack for grizzly bears. Adams became known by other trappers as Grizzly Adams. John Adams died in 1860 while on tour with the traveling P.T. Barnum Show. His life will be remembered as that of the 1970's television series which depicted his life as that of the character.