During his administration as treasurer and receiver-general of the commonwealth, it became necessary, in arranging its financial matters, to negotiate, sign, and deliver in England, a large amount of its bonds, and Mr. Adams was commissioned by the governor and council to go to London for that purpose. After having successfully accomplished the objects of his mission, he took the opportunity of traveling for a short time on the continent of Europe, as well as in Great Britain, and especially in Scotland. In the latter country he had an ardent and loving interest, which was increased by travel there, and has lost nothing in subsequent years. He is a Scotch antiquarian of much reading and research.
Mr. Adams has always been greatly attached to his native town, Antrim,—cherishing with undiminished love the rocks and the hills upon which he looked in childhood. His visits are frequent to the old town; he still retains his membership in the old Presbyterian church; clearly remembers the old faces; loves the old ways; was a great helper in preparing the recent History of Antrim, and was a willing contributor to its embellishment. With all the rest, he has been something of a musician, being a member of the church choir (North Brookfield, Mass.,) more than forty years,—for many years its leader. And in these traits his children follow him, as they are gifted with rare musical taste and skill.
Mr. Adams married, May 8, 1834, Eliza, daughter of Hon. Joseph Cummings, of Ware, Mass.; and they have three surviving children,—Charles Woodburn and George Arthur, of North Brookfield, and John Quincy, of Boston. An only daughter, Ellen Eliza, married Frank A. Smith, and died at West Brookfield in 1866.
The degree of A. M. was conferred on Mr. Adams by Dartmouth College in 1878. And it may be added that such men as Mr. Adams are continually reflecting honor upon our rocky New Hampshire, from which they went forth. Their success goes to prove, that, with an eager mind, good ready common sense, persevering application, and inflexible honesty, the boys of the Granite State may win high places among men. We see by this biography, that, if the man be good enough, the place will seek the man. Truth and uprightness, backed by good abilities, are pretty sure to be appreciated.
B. F. Prescott.