Edwin D. Adams
Born: November 23rd, 1856
Died: August 23rd, 1930
Obituary
Edwin D. Adams died at his home here yesterday afternoon following an illness of eight months. Mr. Adams was vice-president-secretary of the Drake Hardware company. He was born at Canajoharie, N.Y. November 23, 1856. His parents represented old English families known in Massachusetts for many years.
Spending his entire career in the hardware business, Mr. Dams was well known not only in Iowa but all over the middle west, having friends in every nearby state. After graduating from a Schenectady, NY business college he entered the employ of Vielie wholesale hardware firm at Albany NY. He attained a highly responsible position with that firm. While on a trip he met the late Lyman H. Drake, founder of the Drake company. This friendship eventually led to Mr. Adams coming here in 1888 when he became associated with Mr. Drake.
mr. Drake retired in 1891 and Mr. Adams was one of a group of men who incorporated the Drake Hardware Co. Much of the success of the firm has been thru the efforts of Mr. Dams, friends here said last night.
S.H. Jones, president of the company, is the last of the group of the original incorporators active in the business. "I have not only lost a loyal and valuable associate in business but a true and loyal friend as well." Mr. Jones said last night. in referring to the friendship between Mr. Adams and himself, which extended over a period of years dating from Jan. 1, 1891, Mr. Jones said: "In all those years of close association in business, we may have held different opinions at times but there never has been an unkind word between us." Mr. Adams married Miss Anna Renfrew, Sigourney, in 1895. Mrs. Adams and one daughter, Miss Mary Elizabeth, survive. one sister, Mrs. Frank W. MacConkey, NY City, also survives.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Burlington Golf club, Chamber of Commerce, Elks lodge and T.P.A. of A.
His major interests were his family and his work. He spent the greater part of his life in Burlington and hundreds of friends will be grieved to learn of his death.
Funeral services will be held at the home, 918 North Third Street, Monday afternoon. Dr. Archibald Cardle, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Aspen Grove cemetery.