Ellzy W. Adams, who is now occupying the position of County Auditor of Clayton County, has been in the service of the public since a year after attaining his majority, his various important positions having been all held in Clayton County, of which he is a native.

Benjamin Adams, our subject's father, was born in West Virginia and came to this region at an early day, settling in Clayton County in 1850. Though now in his seventy-second year his home is still within its boundary, as he resides at Farmersburg. In former years he was very active in the early settlement and improvement of the county, and politically has always affiliated with the Democratic party. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy White, and she too was born in West Virginia.

The birth of E.W. Adams occurred in 1859 and he grew to manhood in this county, obtaining his education in the public schools of the same. Reared on a farm, he early learned the duties pertaining thereto and made such good use of his educational facilities that at the age of eighteen years he received a certificate and began his business career as a teacher, being successfully engaged in that occupation for four years.

When only twenty-two years old, Mr. Adams commenced his public service as Deputy Treasurer of Clayton County, serving under C.E. Floete for four years. Next he was made Deputy County Auditor under John Everall, serving as such for the six years succeeding. In the fall of 1889 he was elected County Auditor, for which position he was well qualified by his former service as deputy, and this post he is still filling to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and friends.

September 3, 1883, Mr. Adams was admitted to the Bar in Elkader, having previously studied and prepared himself for the profession of law but he never found an opportunity to engage in practice since that time, as he has devoted his entire attention to the duties of his county positions. He takes an active part in the local work of the Democratic party, to which he gives his earnest support. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was one of the charter members of Lodge No. 319, M.W.A.

On the 3d of December, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Adams and Miss Martha Gilbert, whose birth occurred in this county, where she grew to womanhood. Her father, J.L. Gilbert, was born in the Green Mountain State and was one of the early settlers and prominent residents of this county, within the boundaries of which he is still living at the good old age of seventy-five years. His wife, who was before her marriage Eliza Murdock, was born in Ohio and departed this life in July, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have become the parents of a bright little daughter, who is called Blanche. From his earliest years Mr. Adams has been a witness of the wonderful growth and prosperity of Clayton County, in the development of which he has ever been interested and to the extent of his ability has lent it his assistance. In the service of the public he is trusted and true, believing that a "public office is a public trust."

~source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894; pg 388-389
-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall