John Adams (Wisconsin politician, born 1819)
# John Adams (Wisconsin politician, born 1819)

John Adams (June 1, 1819 – October 18, 1908) was an American businessman, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He served two years in the Wisconsin State Senate and three years in the State Assembly, representing eastern Dane County. He was the father of Alva Adams, who served three terms as Governor of Colorado.

## Biography

Adams was born in Pulaski County, Kentucky on June 1, 1819. He and a half-brother relocated to Indiana around 1832, then Illinois in 1837, and finally to Dodgeville, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in lead mining. Adams moved to Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, in 1849, to Black Earth, Wisconsin, in 1863, and later to Blanchardville, Wisconsin, where he built a grist mill. He moved to Pasadena, California in 1890.

Adams married Eliza Blanchard (1832–1911) in 1846. His sons, Alva Adams and Billy Adams, became Governor of Colorado. One grandson, Alva B. Adams, became a member of the United States Senate. Another grandson, Harry W. Adams, became Mayor of Beloit, Wisconsin. Adams died in Pasadena, California.

## Career

Adams was a member of the Assembly during the 1869, 1870 and 1872 sessions. He was a member of the Senate from the 26th District during the 1882 and 1883 sessions. In addition, he was Postmaster and Chairman of the Town Board (similar to city council) of Black Earth (town), Wisconsin and a member of the County Board of Dane County, Wisconsin. Adams was a Democrat.

