This was William Jasper Adams. On page 11 of Howard Litton's book Tanglefoot, Volume 1(he is quoting from an article in "The Building Trades Journal, Volume 16, No. 6, St. Louis, MO, November 15, 1895 (Tanglefoot refers to Festus) "William Jasper Adams, Hotel - Mr. Adams is the pioneer hotel man in Festus as well as the first settler in town, in fact the city now occupies what at one time was Mr. Adam's farm. The present elegant building was erected in 1883 for this special purpose. He has been identified with the progress of Festus since its founding and has held various positions of trust, at present being collector for the city. He and his sons are also in the news and confectionary business. They carry a full and complete line of confectionary items, notions, toys, school supplies, cigars and tobacco. They have been in business since 1890." Later references to him in Mr. Litton's book say "W.J. Adams and Sallie A. Adams, his wife, were the proud parents of four children; Jasper, William, Esther and Beulah." "The next news item in the paper (Tri City Independent) dated December 5, 1919 stated that Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Adams and grandchildren bid Festus goodbye this day, departing for St. Louis where they would make their home. They had resided in Festus continuously for more than 48 years, arriving in 1871, at which time there were but 6 or 8 houses in all of Festus. Mr. Adams had driven a hack ever since arriving in Festus, meeting trains at Bailey Station before railroads touched the twin cities. On December 31, 1919, W.J. Adams returned to Festus on a short business trip. He wanted to sell his team of horses and his hack." Lisa Gendron www.geocities.com/[email protected]/ >>>>-----Original Message----- >>>>From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] >>>>Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 2:06 AM >>>>To: [email protected] >>>>Subject: mayor adams of festus >>>> >>>> >>>>does anyone have any info on the Adams who was mayor of >>>>Festus in the 1890's >>>>. What was his first name? or family? >>>>thanks- James Davis researching DAVIS &ADAMS >>>> >>>>______________________________ >>>>