Adams, William

PRATT, GILLETT, JOHNSTON

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/20/2009 at 21:18:26

William Adams, prominently connected with business interests of Frederika as a successful and prgressive general merchant, was born in Douglas township, this county, June 19, 1873, a son of Seth Draper and Abby A. (Pratt) Adams, natives of New York the former born in Oneida county, October 24, 1837. The father came to Bremer county in 1855 and settled in Douglas township, where he lived until the spring of 1877, when he moved to Portland, Oregon. In the fall of that year he returned and in the spring of 1878 moved to Frederika, where he turned his attention to the mercantile business, with which he has since been identified. He and his wife became the parents of seven children, three of whom still survive: J.J., a merchant of Frederika; Lizzie, the wife of Albert Gillett, also of Frederika; and William, of this review.

The last named came to Frederika with his father in 1878 and acquired his education in the district and village schools of this locality. When he began his independent career he engaged in business with his father for one year, after which he purchased the store which they operated and conducted it alone for three years. He afterward traded it for a farm and engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1891, when he established his present mercantile enterprise. His business has since steadily increased in volume and importance and his store is now one of the largest of its kind in the county. Mr. Adams controls a representative patronage, which is accorded to him in recognition of his reasonable prices and his honorable and straightforward business methods.

Mr. Adams married Miss Susie May Mowatt, a native of this county and a daughter of John M. and Martha (Johnston) Mowatt, the former of whom has passed away. His wife survives him and makes her home in Frederika. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have five children, Inez Ray, Edith Grace, Albert William, Gladys May and Ada Martha. Mr. Adams gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and, although he is not active as an office seeker, he takes an intelligent interest in public affairs. He is a resourceful, progressive and enterprising business man and is respected and esteemed in business circles.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914