"Adams, Oscar, Lawyer, of Flint, was born in Harpersfield, Delaware County, New York, April 16, 1827. His parents were Hiram and Elizabeth Adams. Of his boyhood, we know nothing—whether he conned his daily task in the school-room, or whether his faculties were developed by nature, and his mind stored with the "knowledge never gained of schools." At about the age of twenty, he commenced the study of law in Buffalo; hence it may be inferred that he had enjoyed the advantages of the primary and high schools. At Ballston Springs, New York, he graduated from a private law school; and, in 1850, was admitted to the bar in Albany. He immediately began practice in Erie County, New York, but soon removed to Wisconsin, and there remained two years, engaged in his professional duties. Late in 1855, he came to Flint, Michigan, where he has since resided. In the following spring, he was admitted, in Flint, to practice in the courts of this State. Mr. Adams was a paymaster in the army during the civil war. In 1860 he was elected Circuit Court Commissioner for the county of Genesee. In 1871 he was chosen Representative in the Legislature. He has taken an active interest in education, having been President of the School Board three years, and also its Treasurer for some time. He was one of those who erected the Flint High School building, and established the institution upon so elevated a plane of usefulness. This structure is a noble monument to the memory of its founders; being, it is said, the finest of its kind in Michigan, and the school itself is not surpassed by any in the State. Mr. Adams was married, August 27, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Walton. By her he had three children. Two of these, Martha A. and Libbie M., are living; the mother died March 3, 1864. Again, he married Miss Mary J. Walton, sister of his deceased wife. The issue of this marriage is one daughter—Yaida M. Adams. Mr. Adams seems rather to undervalue the importance of whatever he himself has done; and, in reviewing his life, makes mention only of the chief events, without the attendant circumstances of motives, means, purposes, causes, or effects. His history, thus condensed, it is feared, may, like an inverted glass, reflect a diminished image. Mr. Adams is genial and affable towards all, but is not fond of general society; preferring that of a few cherished friends, or of his own family, with whom his evenings are usually passed. In his public relations, he is esteemed as possessing a strong sense of truth and justice, and endeavoring to live in accordance with those principles. As a counselor and advocate, he is believed to have few superiors in that portion of the State." – Excerpt from "American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men, Michigan, Volume," published by Western Biographical Publishing Co., Cincinnati, O., 1878.