Samuel Adams (Arkansas politician)

Samuel Adams (June 5, 1805 – February 27, 1850) was an American politician who was the third governor of Arkansas.

Biography

Adams was born in Halifax County, Virginia. Adams was self-taught and moved to Arkansas in 1835, where he became a planter and was active in Arkansas politics.

Career

Adams was a Democrat, and was elected to the Arkansas Senate in 1840. He was reelected and served as president of the Senate during his second term.

On April 29, 1844, Governor Archibald Yell resigned from his office to run for the United States House of Representatives. Adams, who was president of the Arkansas Senate at that time, became Acting Governor of Arkansas and served until November 5, 1844.^[1] During his short term he focused on internal improvements and education, and left a surplus in the state treasury when he left office.

In 1846, Adams was elected to the office of State Treasurer and served in that position until his death.

Death and legacy

Samuel Adams died in Saline County, Arkansas. Adams is buried in the historic Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.^[2]

Adams was the stepfather of Civil War General James Fleming Fagan. An engraving of Samuel Adams graced Arkansas Civil War treasury notes.

References

External links

• National Governors Association
• Samuel Adams at Find a Grave
• State of Arkansas Governors