Governor Jewett William Adams

JEWETT W. ADAMS, the fourth governor of Nevada, was born in South Hero, Vermont on August 6, 1835. His education was attained in the common schools of his native state. Adams worked as a merchant and rancher, and migrated west during the gold rush craze. He eventually settled in Nevada, where he served as a major in the state militia. Adams first entered politics as the lieutenant governor of Nevada, a position he held from 1875 to 1883. He next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1882. During his tenure, the site for the University of Nevada was moved to Reno; railroad development was promoted; and the silver industry flourished. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Adams secured an appointment as superintendent of the U.S. Mint, a post he held in Carson City from 1894 to 1898. Governor Jewett W. Adams passed away in San Francisco on June 18, 1920.