This might be a clue, because of the geographical proximity. There is a cabin in Lawrence Co., MO (right next to Newton Co.) that is a restored dwelling of Edward J. and Elinor Adamson. It was built in 1845. It is not far from Mt. Vernon. I don't know where he fits in. The Lawrence Co. Historical Society, P.O. Box 406, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 might have further information. The census has him born in TN ca 1824. His children were Sterling, Mary J., Cinthia L., Charles W., Lemeul J., Thomas J., John E.