The Watch Factories of America Past and Present - A Complete History of Watch Making in America, From 1809 to 1888 Inclusive, with Sketches of the Lives of Celebrated American Watc by Henry G. Abbott

Author:Henry G. Abbott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-07-16T00:00:00+00:00

J. C. ADAMS.

CHAPTER VIII.

AS a watch factory organizer Mr. J. C. Adams has probably had more experience than any living man, and his name is familiar to every watchmaker and jeweler in this country. Mr. Adams was born in Preble, N. Y., October 7, 1834. His father was a prosperous farmer. When he was but two years of age his father sold his farm and removed to Syracuse, N. Y. In 1842 he gathered together his chattles and removed to what was then termed the far west, locating in Elgin, Ill. Mr. Adams served a five years’ apprenticeship to John H. Atkins, an old Liverpool watchmaker. After finishing his apprenticeship he was engaged as watchmaker by S. C. Spalding, of Janesville, Wis. After two years employment by Mr. Spalding, he again returned to Elgin and entered into partnership with G. B. Adams, the firm being known as G. B. & J. C. Adams. At the end of two years the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Adams went to Chicago and was employed in the watch department of Messrs. Hoard & Hoes. In 1861 he managed the watch department of W. H. & C. Miller, Chicago, and had an interest in that department. In 1862 he was appointed time keeper for the various railroads centering in Chicago.

In the spring of 1864, Mr. Adams severed his connection with W. H. & C. Miller and together with Messrs. Chas. S. Moseley and P. S. Bartlett, organized the Elgin Watch Company. In 1869, together with Mr. Paul Cornell, he organized the Cornell Watch Company of Grand Crossing, Ill., and served for some time as general agent of that company. One of the movements made by this company was named in his honor.

In 1869, Mr. Adams, together with Springfield capitalists, organized the Illinois Watch Company at Springfield.

In 1874 he organized the Adams & Perry Watch Manufacturing Company, and became Secretary and General Manager of the company. He resigned his position in the fall of 1875.

In 1883 he entered the employ of the Independent Watch Company of Fredonia, N. Y. In 1885 he organized the Peoria Watch Company and continued with that company until April 14, 1888. He is the inventor and patentee of “The Adams System of Time Records” which is employed on nearly every western railroad.

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