John Watson Adams (1796–1850) was an American Presbyterian minister born in Simsbury, Connecticut, who graduated from Hamilton College in 1822 and studied theology at Auburn Theological Seminary before being ordained and installed as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, New York, in 1826, a position he held until his death. Known for his evangelical zeal and clear, thoughtful preaching, he also served on the Board of Overseers of Hamilton College beginning in 1841. After his death on April 6, 1850, a volume of his sermons was published, reflecting his significant contribution to the American pulpit.