ADAMS, Nicholas 1894-1982

ADAMS, AHRENDS, PINT, INDRA, GILLES

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 9/11/2010 at 14:14:28

Nicholas Adams, a life long resident of Stacyville was born August 24, 1894 at Stacyville to Peter and Amanda (Ahrends) Adams.

Nicholas attended Visitation School at Stacyville and the Public High School. He was a carpenter for 60 years starting with his father at age 16 in the construction of houses and barns. At that time it took about a month to build a barn. A few years after World War I he started his own crews, building barns houses and even a church (Wapsie Catholic) in Mitchell County.

In earlier times there was not much demand for construction work in winter, so Nick operated a woodworking shop on Broad Street, repairing furniture, creating small items of occasional furniture and children’s furniture and toys. When he retired about 1970, he continued this hobby with a shop at his home until he was in his 80’s.

Nick was involved for a number of years with the Stacyville Theater as owner, manager and projectionist. He started back in days of silent movies and continued when sound pictures came. Since the movies in the early days were only on Sundays he could manage this along with his regular job as contractor.

Each winter a home talent play or two was produced using local people. The plays were usually a benefit for the church or a community organization. Nick volunteered many hours to directing, as well as often carrying the lead role. In Catholic Order of Forester’s notes of November 9, 1977 one play “Doris Comes to Town” realized a profit of $95.85 which was turned over to Father Eugene Lorenz to be used in payment for a new Mass vestment. Admission prices were 10 and 25 cents.

Nick played a trombone in the City Band. Concerts were held one night a week during the summer when a band stand was pulled into the center of Main and Broad Street for the concert. Sometimes concerts were held in a bandstand which was located in the center of the City Park.

July 25, 1918 he entered the U.S. Army serving overseas in France as a Private with Co. A. 105 Infantry, A.F.F. 27th Rainbow Division, sailing back to the U.S. on the Leviathan. Upon arrival their Division participated in a Victory Parade in New York. He was discharged April 7, 1919 then returned to Stacyville. He was a charter and life member of the Hale Penney Fuller Post 589 of the American Legion holding many offices in the organization. As a member of the Catholic Order Foresters, St. Mary’s Court No. 944 he served 10 years as Chief Ranger.

In 1981 Nick was elected King of the Stacyville Quasquicentennial celebration and served as Grand Marshall of the parade. At that time he was the oldest citizen of Stacyville born within the town boundary.

He served his community for several years as a volunteer fireman and was elected as assessor for 15 years.

One of the nicest tributes to Nick came from a former workman who said now that he and his wife were in business “we treat our workers like you did. We make them feel part of the family.”

Nicholas Adams and Mary Pint were married April 24, 1918 at St. Peter’s Church, New Haven. Mary was the daughter of William and Anna (Gilles) Pint. And they established their home in Stacyville.

They were the parents of three children: Carmella (Mrs. Ben Indra), William and Keith.

Mary died December 23, 1980 and Nicholas on October 7, 1982. They were laid to rest at Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

[Adapted from Nicholas Adams and Mary Pint story, by Carmella Indra, MITCHELL COUNTY HISTORY, 1989]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#2:

Photo of Nicholas Adams, from MITCHELL COUNTY HISTORY, 1989.

Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen