William E. Adams (New York politician)
William E. Adams (December 25, 1922 – April 1983) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.
Life
He was born on December 25, 1922, in Knightstown, Henry County, Indiana. He attended Knightstown High School, and took a pre-law course at Indiana University Bloomington. He graduated LL.B from the University of Buffalo Law School. He practiced law in Buffalo, New York, and lived in Kenmore.[1] He married Jacquela Devlin (1926–2005), and they had four children.[2]
Adams was a member of the New York State Assembly (Erie Co., 2nd D.) from 1957 to 1964, sitting in the 171st, 172nd, 173rd and 174th New York State Legislatures. In November 1964, he ran for re-election, but was defeated by Democrat F. James Kane, Jr.
Adams was a member of the New York State Senate from 1966 to 1970, sitting in the 176th, 177th and 178th New York State Legislatures. On December 12, 1969, he was indicted by a federal grand jury for perjury because he had denied under oath that he received a bribe of $5,000.[3] His trial began on March 30, 1971,[4] and he was acquitted on March 7.[5] In November 1970, Adams ran for re-election, but was defeated by Democrat John J. LaFalce. On December 29, 1970, Adams was appointed as General Counsel to the New York State Board of Standards and Appeals.[6] In 1971, he moved to Albany.[7]
He died in April 1983.[8]
Sources
- New York Red Book (1961–1962; pg. 140)
- ADAMS, JACQUELA J. in the Times Union, of Albany, on July 14, 2005
- BUFFALO SENATOR IS INDICTED HERE IN MEDICAID CASE in the New York Times on December 13, 1969 (subscription required)
- State Senator Adams Denies Any Medicaid Wrongdoing as His Trial Opens in the New York Times on March 31, 1970 (subscription required)
- SENATOR ADAMS WINS ACQUITTAL in the New York Times on April 8, 1970 (subscription required)
- SENATOR ADAMS GETS STATE POST in the New York Times on December 30, 1970 (subscription required)
- Adams Moving to Albany To Be Close to His Work in the Tonawanda News, of Tonawanda, on January 14, 1971
- "William E. Adams" at The Political Graveyard
| New York State Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Justin C. Morgan |
New York State Assembly Erie County, 2nd District 1957–1964 |
Succeeded by F. James Kane, Jr. |
| New York State Senate | ||
| Preceded by new district |
New York State Senate 61st District 1966 |
Succeeded by district abolished |
| Preceded by John H. Hughes |
New York State Senate 53rd District 1967–1970 |
Succeeded by John J. LaFalce |