Sylvester Adams
Ballinger, Runnels County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Tennessee, Adams as a youth came to Texas with his father. A firm believer in the Confederate cause, he served at Galveston during the Civil War. He helped organize Runnels County; was first county judge, 1880-1884; also served 1886-1888. He helped plan aid for his drouth-stricken county, 1886-1887, though many residents proudly refused to take "charity" relief. He was a Democrat and Baptist. He had 3 sons and 3 daughters.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Sylvester Adams came to Texas as a young man and threw himself behind the Confederate cause, serving at Galveston during the Civil War. Afterward he helped organize Runnels County and became its first county judge, serving in the 1880s. When drought struck in 1886–1887 he worked to arrange relief, even as many proud residents refused what they saw as charity.
Why it matters
Adams's life traces the path of countless Confederate veterans who returned home to build the local governments and institutions of the postwar West Texas frontier.
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Related people
- · Sylvester Adams
Themes & tags
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