Tulare County Biographies

William J. Adams

Transcribed by: Craig A Hahn

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

     The life of the late William J. Adams of Visalia, Tulare county, spanned 
the period from April 4, 1837, to June 8, 1909. He was born in Graves county, 
Ky., and died at his California home. Reared and educated in his native state he 
left there with a herd of cattle which he drove to Texas and from there across 
the plains to California, arriving in 1859. Settling near Tulare Lake in Tulare 
county, he ranged cattle for many years and later removed them to the mountains 
on Adams Flat, where he expanded his enterprise by raising both cattle and 
horses. 
 
     In 1871 Mr. Adams disposed of his cattle and horse interests and gave his 
attention to sheep herding. For two years he operated in Oregon, then came back 
to California and settled near Madera on the Fresno river, in Madera county, but 
after two years spent there, he returned to Tulare county and for twelve years 
farmed the old Murray ranch, near Visalia. 
 
     In January, 1865, Mr. Adams married Miss Mary Fannie Murray, a native of 
Missouri, a daughter of Abram H. Murray, who crossed the plains in 1852 and 
settled his family in the Visalia neighborhood, There their children have since 
become known and respected. They are Sarah, Mrs. E. Hilton, of Porterville; 
Abram P.; Frank C., a biographical sketch of whom is elsewhere in these pages, 
and Russell, who has passed away. 
 
     A man of strong character, upright in his dealing with all, ready at all 
times to do all in his power for the uplift or development of the community, Mr. 
Adams was a helpful citizen and the county and its people are benefited by his 
influence among them.
 
SOURCE:  History of Tulare and Kings Counties, California with Biographical 
Sketches - Los Angeles, Calif., Historic Record Company, 1913  Pp 423, 424