The subject of this sketch was born October 16, 1844, at Cleveland, Ohio, the second son of Ezekia Adams. At the age of seventeen years he began railroading, becoming a conductor on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad and other roads for twelve or fifteen years. He also spent eight or nine years in the eating-house and hotel business. In 1889 Mr. Adams moved to Muskogee from Eufaula, where he was located six years. Here he bought out the M. K. and T. House, which he conducted during the building of the Hotel Adams. On its completion, January 17, 1890, he assumed its management, and on this day the grand opening of the hotel was celebrated, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad running special trains at reduced rates from Missouri, Kansas and Texas, bringing in fully 350 persons, who were banqueted in a sumptuous manner. This fine hotel has a dining room with seating capacity of 185 persons, fine offices, waiting room, lunchroom, ticket office, barbershop and bathrooms. The parlor, an elegant room, is richly and tastefully furnished. There are fifty guestrooms, finished in a most tasteful manner, some with folding-beds and others in antique oak suites, and again others in the XVI Century style. There are few hotels in any of the States so thoroughly and elegantly equipped. The dining-room furniture will contrast favorably with the rest of the establishment, while the attention afforded to guests is highly satisfactory. The building is steam-heated throughout and lighted with gas, and has a fine water and sewerage connection. The former is supplied by a four-inch pipe connected with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas engine-room, which serves as a great protection in case of fire. The building is also supplied with fire escapes. Muskogee being the end of the division, the Hotel Adams feeds all the passenger train guests, and is doing a surprisingly large business.
Mr. Adams, the principal and manager, is especially adapted to that position. His long experience in the business, combined with his courtesy and affability of manner, renders him exceedingly popular, so that under his supervision the hotel will no doubt continue to be a resort of great popularity among those who visit the Indian Territory. The building cost $40,000.
