This circa 1860 photograph depicts Willian H. H. Adams, fourth president of Illinois Wesleyan University (1875-1888). During his presidency, he increased student enrollment and earned the reputation o..
more »This circa 1860 photograph depicts Willian H. H. Adams, fourth president of Illinois Wesleyan University (1875-1888). During his presidency, he increased student enrollment and earned the reputation of "debt killer" by ridding the university of $50,000 of debt.
Prior to his role at IWU, Adams served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Adams started his military career in the 111th Illinois Volunteer Regiment in 1862. While there, he was promoted to the rank of 1st lieutenant. After nine months, he transferred to the 4th Regiment U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery, functioning as one of the first regiments to recruit African Americans. Here he rose through the ranks of Captain and ended up as Major.In 1865, Adams retired from the army and finished his education at Northwestern University, earning his license to preach. Shortly after retiring, Sarah Adams (William's wife) passed away. Quickly after, Adams remarried to Hannah Westfall and bore four children. In 1872, the family moved to Clinton, IL, where Adams took up a position as the minister of the Methodist Church.
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