Samuel Adams (Arkansas politician)

For other people named Samuel Adams, see Samuel Adams (disambiguation).

Samuel Adams (June 5, 1805 – February 27, 1850) was an American politician who served as acting governor of Arkansas from April to November 1844.

Samuel Adams
Treasurer of Arkansas
In office January 1845 – January 1849
Governor	Thomas S. Drew
Preceded by	J. C. Martin
Succeeded by	William Adams
Acting Governor of Arkansas
In office April 29, 1844 – November 5, 1844
Preceded by	Archibald Yell
Succeeded by	Thomas S. Drew
Personal details
Born	(1805-06-05)June 5, 1805 Halifax County, Virginia, U.S.
Died	February 27, 1850(1850-02-27) (aged 44) Saline County, Arkansas, U.S.
Resting place	Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. 34°44′15.3″N 92°16′42.5″W
Political party	Democratic
Relations	James F. Fagan (stepson)

Early life

Adams was born in Halifax County, Virginia. He moved to Arkansas in 1835, where he became a planter and was active in state politics.

Political career

Adams was a Democrat, and was elected to the Arkansas Senate in 1840. He was reelected and served as president of the Senate during his second term. On April 29, 1844, Governor Archibald Yell resigned from his office to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Adams, who was president of the Arkansas Senate at that time, became Acting Governor of Arkansas and served until November 5, 1844. During his short term he focused on internal improvements and education, and left a surplus in the state treasury when he left office. In 1846, Adams was elected to the office of State Treasurer and served in that position until his death.

Death

Samuel Adams died in Saline County, Arkansas. He is buried in the historic Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Personal life

Adams was the stepfather of Civil War General James Fleming Fagan.

Legacy

An engraving of Samuel Adams graced Arkansas Civil War treasury notes as well as he devoted Arkansas freedom.

See also

• List of governors of Arkansas