According to a 1911 letter written by Annie Hay Ferguson (nee Andrew), Adam "joined a Horse Regiment in the British Army and was a saddler. He served in the Crimean War and also got a medal at the siege of and capture of Lucknow in India under Lord Clive. He served 21 years and had pension. The service abroad hurt his health and he died of consumption. He had an excellent second wife who nursed him faithfully. (Ref: Letter written by Adam's sister Elizabeth in 1879).