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Horace Charles Adams

Horace Charles Adams, born in New York in 1858, led a life characterized by frequent relocations across the American West. His journey, beginning in the bustling atmosphere of New York and traversing through various notable locations in California and Arizona, reflects the dynamic and often transient nature of life in the late 19th century. Horace’s story is one of continuous movement and adaptation, embodying the spirit of an era marked by exploration and expansion.

Horace Charles Adams

Horace Charles Adams Overview

Horace Charles Adams, a native New Yorker born in 1858, not only navigated the changing landscapes of America but also played a significant role in the labor movement of his time. As Vice President of the Tonopah Miners’ Union, Adams was deeply involved in advocating for workers’ rights and was a respected figure in the community. His dedication to the cause of labor made him a pivotal member of the union, contributing to his reputation as a “zealous worker in the cause of labor.” Sadly, his life was cut short at the age of 47 due to an illness that swept through the camp, claiming several lives, including his own. His demise on January 7, 1902, in Tonopah, Nye County, Nevada, was not just a personal loss but also a significant blow to the labor movement in the area. Described as a true Christian who was prepared for his final journey, Adams left behind a loving wife and a community that deeply mourned his passing. His funeral, held under the auspices of the union, was a testament to his impact, drawing a large attendance and reflecting the high esteem in which he was held. In the context of the broader Tonopah community, his death was part of a series of losses that included other notable figures like Arthur George, Thomas Gunn, Samuel S. Robinson, and Alex Plum, marking a challenging period for the burgeoning mining camp

I thought Horace would be an easy one to research due to a somewhat unique name but unfortunately, below is all I can find about his past.

Birth

About 1858 in New York.

Death

January 6, 1902, in Nye County, Nevada.

Horace Charles Adams is one of the victims of the “Tonopah Plague” that was laid to rest in the Old Tonopah Cemetery in Nye County, Nevada.

Marriage

He was married and we found references to Mrs. Horace C. Adams who thanked everyone for their support during his sickness but we cannot find her name at this time.

Family

  • Father was Judge Adams, from Kern County, California
  • Mother is currently Unknown

Places Lived

New York, California, and Nevada

Timeline

  • 1858: Born in New York.
  • 1879: Resided in Mono, California.
  • 1886: Moved to San Bernardino, California.
  • 1887: Continued residing in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California.
  • 1891: Still living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California.
  • 22 August 1892: Relocated to Minnesota, Mohave, Arizona.
  • 10 August 1894: Lived in White Hills, Mohave, Arizona.
  • 1898: Settled in Kern, California.
  • 1900 – 1908: Remained in Kern, California.
  • 7 January 1902: Died in Tonopah, Nye, Nevada.

Photos and Videos

Tonopah Bonanza Butler, Nevada Sat, Jan 11, 1902 · Page 3

HORACE C ADAMS.

Vice President of the Tonopah Miners’ Union, has joined the silent majority solved the the great mys tery that sooner or later we must all solve. Death came as a relief to his sufferings Monday morning, this week, he was taken sick with the malady that has claimed so many peo ple in the past two weeks, about eight days before he died. He was 47 years of age, and a native of New York. Mr. Adams was a zealous worker in the cause of labor and his presence will be missed at the meetings of the union and his ever cheerful word to the workingman. He was a true christian and was prepared to meet and forever dwell with God. He leaves a loving wife to mourn his demise and the sympathy of the community is extended to her in her sad hour. The funeral was held under the auspices of the union on Thursday and was largely attended. 

The Daily Appeal Carson City, Nevada Wed, Jan 15, 1902 · Page 3

Tonopah’s Death List.

The Tonopah Bonanza of the nth inst. contains the following death list: Arthur George, a young man who was among the first arrivals in the camp and a pioneer of the new section. The following Monday, Horace C. Adams, vice president of the Tonopah Company died with the malady that has afflicted the camp. On the same day Thomas Gunn, foreman of the Golden Sinclair lease died from the same malady. On Thursday of the same week Samuel S. Robinson, a late arrival from DeLamar died in the camp. He was a teamster and was following that vocation in the new camp. On Wednesday Alex Plum, a pioneer resident of the section joined the silent majority. He was a miner and had followed that life for many years. Among the list is S. A. Crescenzo, ex-district attorney of Lander county. The Bonanza states that there are a number of cases of sickness in the camp but it is believed that the worst is over.

References Used

  • Ancestry.com
  • Newspapers.com
  • Nye County Historical Society

Horace C. Adams