Born in Tennessee, Adams as a youth came to Texas with his father. A firm believer in the Confederate cause, he served at Galveston during the Civil War. He helped organize Runnels County; was first county judge, 1880-1884; also served 1886-1888. He helped plan aid for his drouth-stricken county, 1886-1887, though many residents proudly refused to take "charity" relief. He was a Democrat and Baptist. He had 3 sons and 3 daughters.