Adam Comstock was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, in the year 1740, and in 1763 married Margaret McGregor. They had a family of seventeen children, the youngest of whom was born in New York.

Entering the American army at the commencement of the Revolution, he became a colonel, and served in Washington's army. He was with the army during the winter of privation, hardship, and suffering at Valley Forge. At the battle of Red Bank, New Jersey, he distinguished himself by his valor, and at the defense of Mud fort (now Fort Mifflin) he, alternately with General Smith, of Maryland, commanded the American forces. Before the close of the war he resigned his commission, on account of the serious illness of his wife, and hastened to her bedside.

Soon after his return to his native State he was elected a member of its Legislature. In 1785 he moved to New York State, locating at Schenectady, where he remained one year, and in the spring of 1786 removed to Ballston, settling on a farm near the south boundary. In 1788 he erected the first frame building in the town. He was appointed one of the first justices of the peace of Greenfield in 1794. Was associate judge of the court of common pleas in 1793. Elected a member of Assembly, from Milton, in 1792, he was successively reelected to that office for twelve years. He was a State senator from 1805 till 1808, and held a seat in the council of appointment during that time. In 1804 he was a presidential elector from Hadley, and had the honor of casting his vote for the immortal Jefferson.

The descendants of this legislator have for three generations worn the mantle of official life. Oliver C. Comstock, a son, was a member of Assembly from Seneca  County in 1810 and in 1812, and a member of Congress from that district for three terms, beginning in 1813. Oliver C. Comstock, Jr., a grandson, served several years as a member of the Legislature of the State of Michigan; and Noah D. Comstock, a great-grandson, served four years in the Wisconsin Legislature. Thus four generations of law-makers have sprung from this one family.

Colonel Adam Comstock was a man of good education, of good ability, and of irreproachable character. He died in Corinth, April 10, 1829, and was buried in the family burial-ground.