In Alexander S. Adams, of Elyria, Nebraska, we have one of the first settlers in Valley county, and a venerable citizen who is beloved and esteemed by all who know him. Mr. Adams resides in his pleasant home in town surrounded by a host of good friends, some of whom have known him through the years.

Alexander S. Adams was born in Jefferson county, New York, September 18, 1832, and is the last of his own parent's family. He now has one half-brother and one sister-in-law residing in New York. Mr. Adams resided in New York state until he reached the age of twenty years, when he went to California, going around Cape Horn, engaging in mining for about eight years, and while he made a goodly amount, living expenses were high and he brought little back with him after the close of the war.

In August of 1862 Mr. Adams enlisted in Company A, First California Volunteer Infantry, under General Carleton, receiving his discharge at Fort Union, New Mexico, September 4, 1864; during his enlistment Mr. Adams served on guard duty and Indian service throughout Texas and the Indian territory. After the war he returned to his old home in New York, engaging in farming until his migration to the west.

On October 9, 1864, Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Carthima Nay, who was born in New York, of Irish descent. In the spring of 1873, he came, with his wife and three children to Valley county, Nebraska, homesteading land on Turtle creek, in section thirty-four, township twenty, range fifteen, which remained the home place until October of 1909, when he retired from the farm, and moved to Elyria, purchasing a good home, where he now lives. He has served as county commissioner three years; school director of district number two over twenty years, which district he was instrumental in organizing, and which was the first district to boast of a frame.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography