A.G. Adams' father - Alexander James Adams

The 18th August appears to have been a set aside for the new recruits to have a day at home. Perhaps this was a chance to settle their affairs, spend time with family and prepare for the adventure ahead. The next record of their story appears on 19th August 1914.

Earlier in this Blog I have introduced you to Athol G. Adams' three older brothers, Arthur, Clifford and Harold - so no more about them at this stage. I'll now introduce you to his father. Unfortunately, I only have a little information about A.G. Adams' father, Alexander James Adams. I share with you this brief account.

A.J. Adams was born in 1856 and came to Australia in about 1875. He was the representative in Australia of a firm of Birmingham brass founders, Martineau and Smith. His town of origin was Kings Norton near Birmingham, his father, Arthur Adams being a gunsmith.

A.J. Adams was educated at King Edward's Free Grammar School where he won the prize for mathematics in 1869.

He married Adah Emilie Parker (who lived in Melbourne) and together they had four sons. Tragically, A J Adams died of consumption (tuberculosis, TB) in 1894. He is buried in the Melbourne cemetery.

You will note that A J Adams died in 1894 which was just before his youngest son was born in 1895 - Athol Gladwyn Adams.

One of the consequences of this tragedy is that A.G. Adams' mother is listed as NOK (next of kin) in all military documentation and correspondence. This role was nearly always held by the soldier's father but in this case it was the soldier's mother.

This is the headstone for Alexander James Adams (24 August 1859 - 18 April 1894):

'A loving husband, a devoted father and a true friend'

Also recorded on the same headstone is A.J. Adams' second son, Clifford, who died aged 19:

"His Courage, His Loyalty, The Brilliance Of His Intellectual Powers, His Wonderful Store Of Vivacity And Energy Endeared Him To All Who Knew Him. His Sun Went Down, While It Was Yet Day"