lhadams.html

Portland, Oregon - Its History and Builders, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago-Portland, 1911
Page 580-1

LEWIS HYDE ADAMS

Lewis Hyde Adams, president of the Baggage & Omnibus Transfer Company, in which connection he controls a most extensive business, of this character in Portland, was born at Niagara Falls, New York, October 7, 1857. His father, Edward Stanley Adams, was a native of the Empire state and devoted his life to bookkeeping and milling. He wedded Mary Hyde, also a native of New York, and his death occurred in 1874, when he was forty-eight years of age, while his wife survived until the 3d of September, 1910. Their family numbered three children: Mrs. Hosea Webster, of Montclair, New Jersey; Lewis H.; and Mrs. Lucy Prentis, of Marshfield, Oregon.
Lewis H. Adams was a pupil in the public schools of Buffalo but his educational privileges were somewhat limited and in the school of experience he has learned the lessons which have made him a practical man of affairs, alert and discriminating in business and successful in the conduct of his interests. He came to Oregon when about eighteen years of age and went to work on the ranch of James L. Meek in Washington county, there remaining for three years. He was afterward engaged in mining and in stock-raising in eastern Oregon, in Washington and Idaho until 1879, when he took up his abode at Walla Walla, where he conducted a livery business for about three years. In 1882 he removed to Ashland, Oregon, where he became forwarding agent for Miller & Company and also engaged in ranching in that locality. In 1884 he removed to Portland and became secretary of the United Carriage Company. Two years later he built Cloud Cap Inn, an artistic log hotel, on Mt. Hood. There he spent several years as superintendent of the Mt. Hood Stage Company, at the end of which time he resigned and returned to Portland in 1893. Here he became secretary and manager for the Baggage & Omnibus Transfer Company and in 1909 was elected to the presidency. When he came into active connection with this business in 1893 the company was utilizing ten head of horses. The growth of the business is indicated by the fact that they now use one hundred horses and four auto trucks, doing a general baggage and bus business. Mr. Adams has given his attention entirely to the business and its upbuilding, recognizing the fact that prompt, efficient service means increase in patronage. He has ever been careful to employ competent help, has studied the best methods of promoting the business in every way and is today at the head of the most extensive enterprise of this kind in Portland, having far out distanced all competitors.
In 1882 Mr. Adams was married in Portland to Miss Eunice M. Adams, of Walla Walla, Washington. Their only child, a son, Stanley, died in infancy. Their residence is at No. 690 Clackamas street. Mr. Adams votes with the republican party and has long been active in its support. He is recognized as one of its leaders in this part of the state and in 1906 was chosen to represent Multnomah county in the legislature. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and to the Commercial Club and his active support of its projects for the public good indicates his deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare and up-building of Portland. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and the United Artisans.
His progress in life has all been due to his enterprise, close application and well developed business powers, and the success which is now his is well merited. He has been watchful of every detail of the business, knowing that in this age of strong competition every point must be carefully guarded and also recognizing the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement he has given to his customers a service of which there is no complaint.