MELVIN OHIO ADAMS '71

In the death of Mr. Melvin O. Adams '71 Dartmouth has lost one of her most loyal graduates. Mr. Adams died suddenly in his home on Beacon St., Boston, on Monday evening, August 9, death being probably caused by a weakened condition of the heart

"Mel" Adams was born in Ashburnham. Massachusetts, November 7, 1850 of old New England ancestry, his great-grandfather, also a resident of Ashburnham, being a soldier in the Revolutionary War and prominent in the public service.

He received his early education in the public schools of his native town, working in the country store in his spare hours and later preparing for college at Appleton Academy in New Ipswich, N. H. He was graduated from Dartmouth with honors in 1871 at the age of 21, being valedictorian of his class. After graduation he taught in Fitchburg for a few years; then studying law, was admitted to the Suffolk County Bar in 1875.

After serving for ten years as Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County, he entered into a partnership with Augustus Ross for the general practice of law. He was engaged in numerous important cases, the most widely known perhaps being that in which he served as counsel for the defendant in the Borden case in Fall River.

In 1891 Mr. Adams was elected President of the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad and was active in this field until his death. Under his administration the "Narrow Gauge" line, as it was generally known, prospered and attained a high position among the small railroads of the country. He was particularly interested in the well-being of the employees of the road and had a warm place in their affections.

Although his activities toward the end of his life were chiefly along business lines, he served as United States District Attorney for the year 1905-06 under an appointment by President Roosevelt.

His 'interests aside from business were manifold. For many years he served a; President of the Board of Trustees of Crushing Academy in Ashburnham and was a constant benefactor of the town. He was a member of the Board of Managers of the Farm and Trades School on Thompson's Island, and associated with various clubs in Boston and New York. He was also active in the political life of the State, participating in various State conventions and in 1902 was candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress from the 11th District. He also served on the staff of Governor Brackett in 1890 with the rank of Colonel.

To Dartmouth men, however, he is best known from his associations with the College. From 1903 to 1908 he was a member of the Board of Trustees. He was one of the founders of the Dartmouth Club of Boston and was always a leading spirit at Dartmouth commencements and celebrations of all kinds. But most of all, perhaps, he will be remembered for the inspiring summons which he sent to all Dartmouth men in Boston, gathering the clans together while Old Dartmouth Hall was still burning, to consider ways and means for its rebuilding.

The affection with which Mr. Adams was regarded in Massachusetts and New England was well illustrated in the numerous newspaper editorials that his death called forth The following tribute from the Boston Post is characteristic of many:

The swift and lamentable taking off of Melvin O. Adams, distinguished lawyer, railroad president and all-around good citizen, brings so poignant and intimate a sorrow to so many hearts that one might be tempted to say that in the personal element was his strongest hold upon men. Yet, wonderfully compelling as that was, his services to the great community at large, which he could not know, save as a whole, were fine enough to give him a high place in the world of affairs. As legal official he performed brilliant services; as railroad maker, in a modest but important sphere, he was one of the few men of recent years able to give admirably efficient service at a moderate cost and still keep his property's head above the waves of financial misfortune that have overwhelmed almost every other railroad of its class. As an administrator of the affairs of a great college his wisdom and his rare sense of the "human" in educational affairs made him a most valued counsellor. His love for his college he carried into everyday life. He helped its struggling students ; he put vigor into its raising of funds; he graced hundreds of its notable occasions by the charm of his oratory. With due respect to all the rest it is safe to say that no Dartmouth man in the great world outside "the groves of the academy" could be more sadly missed.

"Mel" Adams is dead. But the fragrant memories of his helpful kindliness, his unfailing humor, his ready sympathy, his rare and sparkling wit and his love for his fellows will not die until all of those who knew them have gone from the earth.

The Dartmouth Club of Boston, in whose councils Mr. Adams was always active, drew up the following resolutions as a tribute to its founder: