For years, I have driven past this marker and wondered why a highway would be named “R. Stanley Adams Memorial Highway.” I began researching, and found the information in the May 6, 1943 Journal of the Florida Senate. The entry is a Resolution, which states:
“Robert Stanley Adams was born in Jasper, Florida, August 27, 1895, and was descended from a long a distinguished line of ancestors who have helped write the history of America since the beginning of its Constitution. His grandfather, Robert Watkins Adams, as well as his father, Frank Adams, served in the Florida State Senate before him.
Senator R.S. Adams attended Florida’s public schools, the University of the South, at Suwannee, Tennessee, and graduated from the Eastman Business School, Poughkeepsie, New York.
In 1915, he was married to Priscilla Brobston, of Jacksonville, Florida.
His business career, which began in the Barnett National Bank of Jacksonville, was interrupted by his voluntary enlistment in the U.S. Navy during World War I. After the Armistice he returned to his native county, Hamilton, where he began his life work of farming.
His political interests first centered in the operation of county affairs and he was elected to the Board of County Commissioners of Hamilton County, and served two terms from 1923 to 1927, and then voluntarily retired for one term and was again elected and served two terms from 1929 to 1933. During all of his service as County Commissioner her served as Chairman of the Board and was largely instrumental in the placing of the county affairs in a strong financial position. He applied his business ability and experience to the operation of the county’s business, and as a result, the county’s affairs greatly improved under his administration. By his magnetic personality and ability to cooperate with his associates he enjoyed the full cooperation and esteem of his fellow Board members.
In 1934 he was elected State Senator from the Thirtieth District and was again reelected in 1938, both times by large popular majorities and in 1942 he was elected for a third term without opposition. His service in the Senate was characterized by vigorous and energetic action on every question of importance coming before the Senate and his aid of or opposition to any measure counted heavily in the success or defeat of such measure. His interests centered largely upon matters affecting agriculture, live stock, forestry, taxation and finance and kindred subjects, and he was continually working for measures favorable to these interests or against proposed measures that he considered inimical to them.
He took an active interest in the adoption of the Homestead Tax Exemption amendment and personally conducted a speaking tour of his home county in its interest, and was largely responsible for the large favorable vote which the amendment received in his county.
He also worked hard and untiringly for the location of the Stephen Foster Memorial at White Springs, and his efforts contributed largely to the selection of the site upon the banks of the Suwannee River, which he dearly loved. After the selection of the location, he sponsored the passage by the Senate of the bill creating the Stephen Foster Memorial Commission, and later an appropriation for the Memorial in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars.
He was vitally interested in the betterment of agriculture, and it was for this reason that he sponsored in the Senate a bill providing for rural electrification, and was successful in securing its passage. He regarded this as one of the major accomplishments of his political career.
Recognized as one of the most powerful figures in Florida, Senator Adams was a fearless fighter, tireless in his efforts to attain his goals. He had a rare gift of drawing people close to him, and he numbered his friends by the thousands- people of both high and low estate. His magnetic personality was one of his greatest assets.
Stanley Adams owned and operated one of the South’s largest individual farms, which is also recognized as an outstanding game preserve, lying for miles along the Suwannee River. He was also a large turpentine operator.
He was always interested in civic enterprises and spent much of his time, efforts and money in trying to advance the cause of his community. He spent much time, effort and money in securing the location and erection of a Federal Post Office building in Jasper. He was a member of the Lions Club, the American Legion and was a Mason. At the time of his death he was Worshipful master of the Jasper Lodge, this honor having been bestowed upon him for the second time. He was a member of the Methodist Church.
Surviving him are his widow, and three children, Priscilla Adams Tarplee, Frances Adams, and Robert Stanley Adams, Jr., and one grandchild, Priscilla Tarplee.
The State of Florida and the County of Hamilton have lost a valued public servant, his friends- a true and loyal companion.
Be it further resolved: That this Resolution be spread in full upon the Journal of this Session, that copies thereof be furnished to the press, and also to the members of the family of our said departed colleague.”
Senator Adams died on April 1, 1943, and is buried in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.
This cache is placed near the memorial marker so others can learn about this senator from Hamilton County.