Tulare County Biographies

JAMES McADAM

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

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

 
The McAdam family of which James McAdam is a member numbers among its 
representatives some of the best, most reliable and active citizens of the state 
of California, their interests being mostly in Tulare county and throughout 
southern California. James McAdam, whose residence is now No. 1248 East Colorado 
street, Pasadena, is a native of Ireland, having been born in County Mayo, March 
17, 1849, son of Samuel and Eliza (Henderson) McAdam, of whom more extensive 
mention is made in the biography of Robert McAdam elsewhere in this publication.
Coming to Canada in 1855 with his parents, here the next year his beloved mother 
passed away, leaving her sons to face the battle of life together with two 
sisters who have married and passed away. Like his brother, Robert, Mr. McAdam 
had few educational advantages, but was compelled while still a young child to 
assume the duties of hard and arduous toil, which though beyond his strength and 
years served later to create in him the strong character, inflexible will and 
unswerving courage for which he is known. In 1884 he removed to Pembina county, 
Dakota territory, and with little or no capital he began to work for himself and 
after three years had fully paid for a hundred and sixty-acre wheat farm which 
was located about three miles from a railroad station. Selling his holdings 
there in 1894 he came to Pasadena and immediately purchased property which he 
improved and sold, buying more and entering the real estate business which has 
increased until he today is reputed to be one of the prosperous men of Pasadena. 
He is the owner of a quarter block of business buildings there, located on East 
Colorado street, which is estimated at $60,000. His interest in the dairy ranch 
in Tulare county is large and he has given close attention to all his property 
with a view toward improvement and bringing it to the best state possible. A 
clear-headed, keen-sighted business man, who has attained success largely 
through his straightforward, honest manner of dealing, he has ever displayed 
sagacious judgment in his operations, and he is a thorough, practical worker in 
every line he undertakes.
Mr. McAdam became interested in Tulare county property in 1910, when he 
purchased three hundred and twenty acres seven miles west of Tulare. He has 
improved this place by erecting three barns thereon, 44x60 feet in dimensions, 
with cement floors and stanchions of the most modern kind. In his dairy business 
every precaution is taken to promote the most extreme cleanliness, the most 
modern methods being used. Three irrigating electric pumping plants have been 
installed and every improvement is made toward developing the land.  He is a 
great believer in the fertile San Joaquin valley as a splendid field for 
dairying purposes and the handling of stock. In spite of his meager educational 
advantages he has become a well-posted man through wide reading and study and he 
is looked upon as an authority on many subjects of the day, his most pleasing 
characteristics being his modesty and generosity to aid others in whatever 
manner is in his power. He believes in intelligence coupled with ability and 
industry and has no time for drones.
In 1873 James  McAdam was married in the county of Huron, Canada West, near 
Toronto, to ,Miss Mary Ann Musgrove. They have two adopted children to whom they 
have given loving care, Pearl, who is now seventeen years of age, and Edith, 
eight years of age. Mr. McAdam is a Mason, being a member of the Masonic lodge, 
No. 272, Pasadena, and is also a devout attendant of the First Presbyterian 
church, of which his family also are members. A great admirer of William 
Jennings Bryan, for whom he has voted for President three times, he followed his 
politics as far as national affairs are concerned. While evincing the greatest 
interest in civic affairs he has never sought public office, choosing to fill 
the duties of a private citizen with conscientious effort.
 
History of Tulare and Kings Counties, California with Biographical Sketches - 
Los Angeles, Calif., Historic Record Company, 1913, pp. 746-747