Sacramento County Biographies

CHARLES EDWARD ADAMS

Transcribed by Karen Pratt.

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
Charles Edward Adams, proprietor of the hay and feed store at 1108 and 1110 J 
Street, Sacramento, was born in Randolph County, Illinois, March 28, 1841.  When 
seven years old his parents moved to New Orleans.  In 1853 he took steamer for 
California, coming to Sacramento; spent about two years in the State, during 
which time he attended school.  In 1855 he returned East, going to 
Massachusetts, for the purpose of completing his education.  After graduating he 
went to St. Louis and entered the office of the Missouri Republican with a view 
of learning the printing business; he went to New Orleans in 1859, staying about 
six months.  In the fall of the year he determined to come to California; taking 
steamer, he arrived in San Francisco early in 1860 and came directly to 
Sacramento.  Shortly after his arrival he entered the grocery store of James I. 
Felter, remaining till the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted in 
Company F, Second California Cavalry, for the period of three years. Holding the 
position of Quarter-master Sergeant.  Part of his company was assigned to 
provost duty, with headquarters in San Francisco, where it remained until the 
expiration of term of service, when he was mustered out.  In February, 1865, he 
went to Mazatlan, Mexico, and opened a hotel; this place was then occupied by 
the French.  Mr. Adams, however, being a loyal citizen of the United States, had 
his wife make an American flag, which he flung to the breeze July 4, 1865.  This 
was the only emblem of the Republic displayed, and his courage and patriotism 
were amply repaid by the universal respect it commanded.  In December of this 
year Mr. Adams thought to improve his circumstances by going to the mines.  
Accordingly, he sold his hotel and went to a mining camp near Durango.  He 
remained here about a year with varying fortunes, when the clamor of war raised 
his war-like spirit, and believing himself safer in the Mexican army than the 
disturbed condition of the country would warrant as a civilian, he dropped the 
pick and shovel, and, going to the city of Durango, where Americans were at a 
premium, he was given a commission as Captain of Engineers.  At this time the 
campaign against the French under Maximilian was being vigorously pushed.  
Shortly after his commission was received, orders were given to lay siege to the 
city of Queretaro.  After some bombardments and numerous engagements, which 
lasted about two and a half months, Maximilian surrendered the city 
unconditionally May 15, 1867.  The next move was upon the city of Mexico, and 
thither the army went, under command of General Porfiro Diaz, the present 
president of the Republic of Mexico, and had the satisfaction, on June 21, 1867, 
of forcing the city to capitulate.  In his capacity of Captain of Engineers, Mr. 
Adams was very close to General Diaz, and speaks of him in the highest terms.  
He remained with Diaz until the end of the year, when he went to the State of 
Zacatecas, determined to make his fortune or �bust.� By again engaging in 
mining.  He returned to California in February, 1875, making a �bee line� for 
Sacramento.  In 1876, Mr. Adams opened a hay and feed store, which he has 
carried on ever since, meeting with good success.  In 1864 Mr. Adams married 
Miss R. D. Hite, of Sacramento County, who accompanied him to Mexico, sharing 
all the hardships and privations of a soldier�s life, as well as the dangers.  
They have been blessed with three children, two sons and one daughter.  In 
politics Mr. Adams is a stanch Republican, and in 1860 took a very active part 
in the Lincoln campaign, though not old enough to vote.  He takes a great 
interest in the local government, and though he has done his part great service, 
has never been an aspirant for political honors.  Mr. Adams is a prominent 
member of the G. A. R., having joined Sumner Post, No. 3, of this city, in 1867. 
 He has creditably filled all the offices in the Post, including that of 
Commander.  Is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights of 
Honor.  In the latter order he has been assistant Grand Dictator and for a 
number of terms has held the office of treasurer in the local lodge of which he 
is a member.  Mr. Adams� success in business is due to his strict integrity and 
careful attention to the wants of his patrons.  He is devotedly attached to 
Sacramento, and although he has seen much of the world, has found no place so 
attractive as the world as the city he has chosen for his home, and where�his 
wanderings having ceased�he is willing to end his days.
 
Source: Davis, Hon. Win. J., An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, 
California. Pages 483-484. Lewis Publishing Company. 1890.