The Adams Family Coat of Arms (by John Coles, Jr.), John Coles, Jr., Circa 1800

John coles, jr. (1776-1854) the adams family coat of arms (three cats passant in pale azure with griffin head erased crest above lion and leopard passantt, with gouache and gold leaf highlights) is the seal of thomas adams of new kent county, virginia; born about 1730 in new kent and died in 1788 in augusta co. (crozier's virginia heraldry, p. 7). Bolton's american armory, 1927, reprint 1989, p. 1. The motto cur optas quod habes translating to why do you wish for what you have. Height 13 7/8 in. By width 10 1/2 in. (sight) circa 1800 boston, massachusetts. Date: Circa 1800.