J. P. Adams Biography

9/18/1835 - 5/12/1904

J.P. Adams was born at Pine Valley, NY in September 18, 1835, and came with his father's family to Elgin IL at the age of 5.  After the usual school days of that era he went to work in the machine shop of his father’s business, where he remained until about 20 years old.  At that point, he went to Marshall MI, where as a bookkeeper, merchant. and express agent.  Then he re-joined his family in  Sandwich and became a member of the firm A. Adams & Sons. In helping to organize the Sandwich Manufacturing Company in 1867, he was made its secretary and treasurer and has continued as such to the present time. As the general manager of its business affairs it can readily be seen how large a portion of responsibility has been thrown upon him and how much its success has depended upon his ability and judgment. J. Phelps passed away on May 12, 1904

from "The DeKalb County Manufacturer" year and author unknown