Henry C. Adams was born on July 11, 1847 in St. Clair Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania the son of Solomon and Ann (Shrader) Adams. Henry grew up on a farm in St. Clair Township, the sixth of eleven children.

Mary J. Dennison was born on June 2, 1852 in Napier Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Minch) Dennison.