A Simple Life — Samuel K. Adams (1850 - ?)
Sometimes, an unspoken hunger exists for Black Heroes. I understand the impulse since Black History was diminished and forgotten in the past. Nowadays, I am more driven to tease out the simple humanity in people. Everyone was not an outsized hero in our roster of pioneer black lawyers. Some pioneer black lawyers simply lived their lives practicing law on the frontier. And these simple stories of self-study in the law, public service and marriage need no race label.
Such is the country life of Samuel K. Adams.
Born in Brook County, Virginia in 1850, Samuel was the son of Benjamin Adams and his wife whose maiden name was White. Benjamin and his wife were married in 1847.
In 1856, Benjamin and his wife moved the family to Clayton County, Iowa. The family took up residence on a farm and integrated themselves into local life. Samuel lived a typical life of a farmer’s boy. He attended the local public school and was too young to fight in the distant Civil War.
In 1868 and at the age of 18, Samuel taught at a country school. He used his free time to study law. A simple example of ambition and self-discipline. For two years and like a modern-day writer, Samuel made time to read law books before and after teaching in the classroom. It was about goal setting.
In 1870, Samuel felt ready for the next step. He applied for an apprenticeship in the office of Judge B.T. Hunt, at Elkader. Samuel studied under Judge Hunt for a year.
In September 1871, Samuel applied to the Clayton County Bar and was admitted. Samuel became the first black lawyer in the State of Iowa.
In 1872, Samuel opened up a law office in Elkader.
Late that year, John Everall (position unknown) appointed Samuel Deputy County Superintendent of the Public Schools. Samuel served in this role through 1876.
In 1874, Samuel was admitted to practice before the State Supreme Court of Iowa.
In 1875, Samuel was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the Office of County Superintendent. Samuel declined to run for office. I am sure he appreciated the public trust and faith in his leadership. But he chose his profession of practicing small-town, country law. And I respect Samuel’s decision to live an examined life.
The North Iowa Times captured the spirit of this lawyer who knew himself:
Mr. Adams is a promising young lawyer, who grew up in the county, and has given evidence of rare ability in public life. Mr. Adams is a member of the Clayton bar, and since his admission, four or five years ago, he has advanced rapidly in his profession and today stands high in the bar which is acknowledged to be second to none in the State.
Conclusion: In 1876, Samuel married Miss A.L. House, daughter of Anna J. House, of Canton, Dakota. Samuel was twenty-six years old. Miss A. L. House was sixteen. Query whether race conscious activists can appreciate and understand the simple country life of pioneer black lawyer Samuel K. Adams.
Iowa State Supreme Court
Thank you Mr. Twyman.