Henry Cullen Adams

Henry C. Adams
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 2nd district
In office March 4, 1903 – July 9, 1906
Preceded by	Herman B. Dahle
Succeeded by	John M. Nelson
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
In office 1883-1887
Personal details
Born	November 28, 1850 Verona, New York
Died	July 9, 1906 (aged 55) Chicago, Illinois
Political party	Republican

Henry Cullen Adams (November 28, 1850 – July 9, 1906) was an American farmer, public official, and U. S. Congressman from Wisconsin, best known for his support of pure food laws.

Adams grew up on a farm in southern Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, but withdrew for health reasons before earning a degree. After marrying Anne Burkley Norton in 1878, he operated a successful dairy and fruit farm and served as president of the Wisconsin Dairymen's Association. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1883 and served until 1887, when he became a member of the Wisconsin Board of Agriculture (1887–95). He also held the offices of Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Property (1889–91) and Food and Dairy Commissioner (1898-1902).

In 1902, Adams was elected to the United States House of Representatives from the 2nd District of Wisconsin to the 58th United States Congress and was reelected to the 59th Congress serving until his death (March 4, 1903 - July 9, 1906). He was a progressive Republican and supporter of Robert M. La Follette, Sr. He worked for passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act. He died of intestinal illness in 1906 in Chicago, while en route from Washington D.C. to his home in Wisconsin. He is buried in Madison, Wisconsin.

Sources

• Henry Cullen Adams at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• American National Biography, vol. 1, p. 93.
• Wisconsin Historical Society biography
• Findagrave.com entry