Robert Adams Jr.

Robert Adams Jr. (February 26, 1849 – June 1, 1906) was an American diplomat and politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district from 1893 to 1906. He served as the United States Minister to Brazil from 1889 to 1890 and as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 6th district from 1883 to 1885.

Robert Adams Jr.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 2nd district
In office December 19, 1893 – June 1, 1906
Preceded by	Charles O'Neill
Succeeded by	John Reyburn
United States Minister to Brazil
In office July 20, 1889 – March 1, 1890
President	Benjamin Harrison
Preceded by	Thomas Jarvis
Succeeded by	Edwin Conger
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 6th district
In office January 2, 1883[1] – June 12, 1885
Preceded by	A. Wilson Norris
Succeeded by	Boies Penrose
Personal details
Born	(1849-02-26)February 26, 1849 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	June 1, 1906(1906-06-01) (aged 57) Washington, D.C.
Cause of death	Suicide by gunshot
Resting place	Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	University of Pennsylvania

Early life and education

Adams was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Robert and Matilda Maybin Hart Adams. He attended Doctor Fairies Physical Institute in Philadelphia and graduated from the Wharton School of Economy and Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1869, where he was a member of St. Anthony Hall. He studied law under George W. Biddle. He was admitted to the bar in 1872 but never practiced law.[2]

Career

He was a member of the United States Geological Survey during the explorations of Yellowstone National Park (1871–1875). Adams served as a member of the State militia from 1881 to 1895. He served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1883 to 1886. He was graduated from the Wharton School of Economy and Finance of the University of Pennsylvania in 1884.

On April 10, 1880, Adams participated in a duel against Dr. James William White. Both Adams and White were members of First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry; White wanted permission to wear the distinctive uniform of the Troop while he saw patients. Adams criticized White, and soon the two agreed to duel. They traveled to Maryland for the affair of honor. Both men fired at 15 paces, but neither man struck his mark and the affair ended without injury. At a meeting years later, Adams asked White, "You fired in the air, didn't you?" White said he did. Adams responded, "I didn't. I fired at you."[3]

He was appointed United States Minister to Brazil on April 1, 1889, and served until June 1, 1890, when he resigned. He was elected to Congress as a Republican to the 53rd Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Charles O'Neill in 1893. He served from December 19, 1893, until his death in Washington, D.C.. On June 1, 1906, Adams died by suicide by shooting himself after heavy losses in stock speculation.[4]

He is interred at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[5]

See also

• List of United States Congress members who died in office (1900–1949)

References

1. Sharon Trostle, ed. (2009). The Pennsylvania Manual (PDF). 119. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Department of General Services. ISBN 0-8182-0334-X.
2. "Pennsylvania State Senate - Robert Adams, Jr Biography". www.legis.state.pa.us. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
3. Rowan, Tommy. ""1880: Philly surgeon and soldier duel with pistols over fashion statement"". Philly.com. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
4. "Congressman a Suicide After Losses at Bridge; Stocks, Too, Had Gone Against Robert Adams Jr. Planned End 2 Weeks Ago – Had Just Paid His Debts to Society Women – "Bridge Whist" Should Be His Epitaph, Says a Colleague. Congressman a Suicide After Losses at Bridge". The New York Times. June 2, 1906. Retrieved August 30, 2009.
5. "Robert Adams, Jr". www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 20 February 2019.

Sources

• United States Congress. "Robert Adams (id: A000044)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• This article incorporates facts obtained from: Lawrence Kestenbaum, The Political Graveyard

External links

• Robert Adams, Jr. at Find a Grave

Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Thomas Jarvis	United States Minister to Brazil 1889–1890	Succeeded by Edwin Conger
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Charles O'Neill	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district 1893–1906	Succeeded by John Reyburn
Pennsylvania State Senate
Preceded by A. Wilson Norris	Member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 6th District 1883–1885	Succeeded by Boies Penrose