History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, 1884



F. F. Adams Biography

F.F. Adams, of the firm of The F. F. Adams Co., manufacturers of wringers, step-ladders etc., cor. of 15th and Cherry Sts., Erie, was born August 6, 1830, in Amherst, N. H., son of Levi and Lucy (Farrar) Adams; the former, who was a farmer and merchant, was a native of N. H., the latter of Vt.

The father died when our subject was three years of age, lived with his mother till nine years old, and then in the State of Vt.; he was reared on a farm till he was twelve years old, and at eighteen built a steam saw mill in Waterford.

For 4 years he was engaged in mercantile business, in Waterford, and this he sold out and moved to Erie in 1860, where he carried on a wholesale grocery concern for 1 year, in company with F. F.son & Bro.; was also in bakery business for several years.

In 1871, he established the manufacture of wooden articles. His first contract was for 60,000 washing machines.

In Dec., 1880, the factory was consumed by fire, but in a short time was replaced by a more substantial structure, and the business became known as the F. F. Adams Co. The productions of the establishment are the Keystone wringers and washing machines, step and extension ladders, and all kinds of household articles; 200 hands are employed.

Mr. Adams was married in 1854 to Martha A., daughter of William Lowell, a native of Jamestown, N. Y. To this union have been born three children: C. F., one-fifth partner in the firm of The F. F. Adams Co. and Jennie F., at home attending the high school; Frankie, who died when six months old.


Source: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania; City of Erie; Chicago; Warner, Beers & Co.; 1884












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