William A. Adams, M. D., the owner of the Adams Hospital of Easton, and the local surgeon of the Union Pacific railroad, was born in Jewell county, Kansas, a son of James W. and Mary A. (Lane) Adams. His father was born in Kentucky, the descendant of some fine old Puritan ancestors, while his mother's family were of French extraction, having come to America with Lafayette. Mr. Adams emigrated from Kentucky and took up a homestead in Jewell county, in 1868, when that part of the state was little settled. He now resides in Smith county, having retired from active life. There were seven children in the family: Ernest W., who lives in Topeka; Frederick W., who lives at Formoso; Bertha, the wife of Louis Creese of Lebanon; Lovie, the wife of Leonard Asper of Denver, Col.; Carmen, the wife of William Lilzey of Atchison; and William A.

William A. Adams was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school and when still young determined to devote his life to the study of medicine. He studied at Campbell University, Holton, Kan., and then entered the Kansas Medical College at Topeka, where he graduated in 1897. After receiving his degree he located in Easton, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. His medical work is of a general nature, although every case must be a special study with a skillful physician. Fifteen years ago Dr. Adams was appointed surgeon for the Union Pacific railroad and has since held that position. He has also been health officer of Leavenworth county a number of years. The Doctor is a popular man and is loved as a physician. He is ever ready to respond to a call, no matter how far the trip may be. He has just completed a private hospital at Easton, modern in its construction and equipment. The Doctor owns a fine farm of 400 acres near Easton and in addition has considerable holdings of real estate in the city. He is a member of the Leavenworth County Medical Society, the Kansas State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association. He has been prominent in Masonic circles for years, being a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and was lecturer of the grand lodge for six years. He was elected a delegate to the imperial council of the Shriners at Los Angeles, in 1907, and devotes much of his time to Masonic work. He has been master of the Eastern Star lodge for eight years and is one of its most prominent members. In politics he is a Democrat and takes an active part in political campaigns.