The Biographical Dictionary of America/Adams, Stephen

ADAMS, Stephen, senator, was born in Pendleton district, S.C, Oct. 17, 1804, son of David Adams, a Baptist clergyman. He removed with his parents to Franklin county, Tenn., in 1812. He was admitted to the bar in 1829 and practised in Franklin county. He was a member of the state senate, 1833-'34, when he removed to Aberdeen, Miss. He was circuit court judge, 1837-46; a representative in the 29th congress, 1845-47; and in the state legislature, 1850; a delegate to the state convention, 1851, and a U.S. senator, completing the term of Jefferson Davis, resigned, 1851-55. At the close of his term he removed to Memphis, Tenn., where he continued to practice law. He died in Memphis, Tenn., May 11, 1857.