Frank Wade Adams

Photo of Frank Adams as it appeared in the Avalanche Echo January 1, 1893

Francis Wade "Frank" Adams 1855-1918
Lot 231 / Plot 7 Highland Cemetery New Castle, Garfield County, Colorado
Born September, 1855 - Illinois
Died May 23, 1918 Glenwood Springs, CO
Wife - Mary Ellen (Carrell) Adams (1858-1949)
Daughter - Zella M. Adams (1893-1894)
Frank was born in Illinois but was reared in Missouri. He came to Colorado in 1875 at the age of 20 and landed in Garfield County in 1885, settling in what would become New Castle. A miner in Leadville prior to moving to New Castle he discovered and laid out the area where the infamous and extremely productive Vulcan Coal Mine would be developed. He sold his interest in the Vulcan Mine early on and acquired a mercantile store on New Castle's Main Street that provided products including tin ware, parlor stoves, wagons, guns & ammunition, furniture and coal (his ads stated he only sold Vulcan coal). He was involved in the New Castle community and served on New Castle's Town Council (1896-1898). He was elected Garfield County Sheriff and served 7 years in that capacity (1898-1904). He was later elected to the position of Garfield County Commissioner in 1915 and served 3 years of the 4 year term as he passed away with one year remaining. His death was attributed to pneumonia. The Rifle Telegram Reveille published May 31, 1918 wrote of Frank's death; Commissioner Frank Adams had not been feeling well for some weeks. He became seriously ill last Tuesday and death came Thursday morning about 10:00. It should be noted that the Spanish Flu pandemic was at its peak in 1918. Frank and his wife Mary do not have a headstone and are buried directly behind the marked grave of their baby daughter Zella. Appreciation to Michael Bell for his research of the information on Mr. Adams.

Circa 1904 - This photo shows Frank Adams store next to the old livery building which still stands today. Note the backward "N" on his building sign

1892 Photo of Frank adams Store on Main Street

Headstone for Frank & Mary's infant daughter. Frank & Mary are buried directly behind their daughter's grave although neither grave is marked with a headstone.

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