Adams was born in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. In 1878, when he was 17, Adams moved to Alamosa, Colorado. He was later elected to City Treasurer, then Mayor of Alamosa, and later as Conejos County commissioner.
The young man from Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, moved to Alamosa, Colorado in 1878 at the age of 17. He went on to hold various public offices, including City Treasurer, Mayor of Alamosa, and Conejos County commissioner.