Robert Adams Jr.


Robert Adams Jr. was an American diplomat and politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district from 1893 to 1906. He served as the United States Minister to Brazil from 1889 to 1890 and as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 6th district from 1883 to 1885.

Early life and education

Adams was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Robert and Matilda Maybin Hart Adams. He attended Doctor Fairies Physical Institute in Philadelphia and graduated from the Wharton School of Economy and Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1869, where he was a member of St. Anthony Hall. He studied law under George W. Biddle. He was admitted to the bar in 1872 but never practiced law.

Career

He was a member of the United States Geological Survey during the explorations of Yellowstone National Park. Adams served as a member of the State militia from 1881 to 1895. He served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1883 to 1886. He was graduated from the Wharton School of Economy and Finance of the University of Pennsylvania in 1884.
On April 10, 1880, Adams participated in a duel against Dr. James William White. Both Adams and White were members of First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry; White wanted permission to wear the distinctive uniform of the Troop while he saw patients. Adams criticized White, and soon the two agreed to duel. They traveled to Maryland for the affair of honor. Both men fired at 15 paces, but neither man struck his mark and the affair ended without injury. At a meeting years later, Adams asked White, "You fired in the air, didn't you?" White said he did. Adams responded, "I didn't. I fired at you."
He was appointed United States Minister to Brazil on April 1, 1889, and served until June 1, 1890, when he resigned. He was elected to Congress as a Republican to the 53rd Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Charles O'Neill in 1893. He served from December 19, 1893, until his death in Washington, D.C.. On June 1, 1906, Adams died by suicide by shooting himself after heavy losses in stock speculation.
He is interred at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.