Samuel Adams (governor) - Definition and Overview

Samuel Adams (5 June 1805 - 27 February 1850) was a Democratic Governor of the State of Arkansas.

Samuel Adams was born in Halifax County, Virginia. Adams was self-taught and moved to Arkansas in 1835. Adams became a planter and became active in Arkansas politics.

In 1840 Adams was elected to the Arkansas Senate. He was reelected and served as president of the Senate during his second term.

On 29 April 1844 Governor Archibald Yell resigned from his office to run for the United States House of Representatives. Being president of the senate, Adams became Governor of Arkansas and served until 5 November 1844.

During his short term he focused on internal improvements and education and left a surplus in the state treasury.

He was elected in 1846 to the office of State Treasurer and served in that position for the rest of his life.

Samuel Adams died in Saline County, Arkansas. Adams is buried in the historic Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Adams was stepfather of Civil War General James Fleming Fagan. An engraving of Samuel Adams graced Arkansas Civil War treasury notes.