Adams, Samuel K. 1850 - 1885

ADAMS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/28/2022 at 20:03:59

Elkader Register, Wed., 21 Jan. 1885.

On Saturday last a telegram was received at this place conveying the sad information that S. K. Adams had died at Independence, at three o'clock of that afternoon. Our readers are all aware of his late sickness and removal to Independence, but his health was supposed to be better, and therefore none were prepared for the shock which all felt when the news of his death was received. In fact, his relatives were only notified at noon, Saturday, of his critical condition, and so he died, away from his friends, and with none but a stranger's hands to soothe his dying hours.

Samuel K. Adams was a native of Virginia, having been born in Brooks county that state, Jan. 18th, 1850, so that he lacked but one day of being 35 years of age at his death. In 1856 his parents removed to Farmersburg township, this county, and he has grown to man's estate among us, being a genuine Clayton county boy. His life, until he attained the age of 18 years, was very like that of all sons of farmers, attending the village school winters, and working on the farm during the summer. When he reached the age of 18, he secured a teacher's certificate, and for several years taught in our district schools. During the time that he was teaching he read law, and after a time entered a law office in Elkader as student. By diligent application to his studies he fitted himself for the bar, and was admitted to practice in 1871. In 1872 he opened a law office at Elkader, but was shortly afterwards appointed deputy school superintendent, by our present county auditor, John Everall, and served in this capacity for 4 years. He was also nominated for that position at one time, and was also a prominent candidate for a nomination as state senator, but so far as we ae able to learn he never held any elective office except that of Justice of the Peace, to which office he was several times chosen by the people.

As a lawyer, Mr. Adams stood high and his abilities were recognized by all. An earnest student and an indefatigable worker, he never took hold of a case but what he brought all his energies to bear for a successful termination of it, and he had a large practice.

As a man, none can be found who will speak ought against him. Honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men, he secured and maintained the respect of all. Liberal, and kind hearted, his only fault was that he was more kind to his friends than to himself.

He leaves an aged mother and father, and four brothers to mourn his loss.

His remains were brought to this place for interment, and the funeral occurred yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. L. U. McKee officiating. His remains were followed to their last resting place in the east side cemetery by a large number of our citizens.

May he rest in peace, and may the broad mantle of charity cover all his faults, while his better deeds serve as an incentive to raise us all to a higher and better plane of life.