Robert Adams

Republican Representative of Pennsylvania's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

February 26, 1849 (57 years old)

Birthday

June 1, 1906

Death

Served as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania’s 2nd congressional district from 1893 until his death in 1906.
Held the position of United States Minister to Brazil from 1889 to 1890.
Was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 6th district from 1883 to 1885.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1869 and was a member of St. Anthony Hall.
Studied law under George W. Biddle and was admitted to the bar in 1872 but never practiced law.
Participated in the United States Geological Survey’s explorations of Yellowstone National Park from 1871 to 1875.
Served in the National Guards of Pennsylvania from 1881 to 1895, achieving the rank of major and serving as judge-advocate.
Was an aide-de-camp with the rank of lieutenant-colonel on the staff of Governor Beaver of Pennsylvania in 1885.
Participated in a duel in 1880 against Dr. James William White, which ended without injury.
Acted as chairman of the committee on foreign affairs during his time in Congress, reporting the Cuban resolutions and the declaration of war against Spain.
Contributed to periodicals and lectured in his later years.
Committed suicide in Washington, D.C., on June 1, 1906, after heavy losses in stock speculation.
Interred at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Was a member of several societies, including the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Society of the Cincinnati.