In 1869, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania[3] and was a member of St. Anthony Hall.[2] He then attended Doctor Fairies Physical Institute in Philadelphia.[2] He studied law under George W. Biddle and was admitted to the bar in 1872 but never practiced law.[3]
On April 10, 1880, Adams participated in a duel against Dr. James William White. Both Adams and White were members of First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry; White wanted permission to wear the distinctive uniform of the Troop while he saw patients. Adams criticized White, and soon the two agreed to duel. They traveled to Maryland for the affair of honor. Both men fired at 15 paces, but neither man struck his mark and the affair ended without injury. At a meeting years later, Adams asked White, "You fired in the air, didn't you?" White said he did. Adams responded, "I didn't. I fired at you."[4]
He was appointed United States Minister to Brazil on April 1, 1889, and served until June 1, 1890, when he resigned.[2] He was elected to Congress as a Republican to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Charles O'Neill on December 19, 1893.
He then served as a Republican representative from the 2nd Pennsylvania district in the congresses 53rd, 54th and 55th, when acting chairman of the committee on foreign affairs and reported the Cuban resolutions and the declaration of war against Spain.[2]
Last years
He was re-elected to the 56th, 57th and 58th congresses also from the 2nd Pennsylvania district, serving until his death, and was a member of various committees, while he contributed to periodicals and lectured.[2]
Adams killed himself in Washington, D.C., on June 1, 1906, by shooting himself after heavy losses in stock speculation.[5] He is interred at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[6]
Society membership
He was elected a member of the follow Societies:[2]
