Preceded by Court created Name William Adamson Resigned December 18, 1917 | Party Democratic Party | |
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Role Former U.S. Representative Previous office Representative (GA 4th District) 1897–1917 | ||
Member of congress start date March 4, 1897 | ||
William Charles Adamson (August 13, 1854 – January 3, 1929) was a U.S. Representative from Georgia and a Judge for the United States Customs Court.
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Early life and education
Adamson was born on August 13, 1854, in Bowdon, Georgia. Adamson attended the common schools. He received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Bowdon College in 1874. He read law and was admitted to the bar in 1876 and commenced practice in Carrollton, Georgia. He served as judge of the city court of Carrollton from 1885 to 1889. He served as an attorney for the city of Carrollton for a number of years. He served as delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1892.
Congressional service
Adamson was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-fifth and to the ten succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1897, until December 18, 1917, when he resigned. He served as chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce (Sixty-second through Sixty-fifth Congresses). The Adamson Act, which regulated the hours of railroad workers, was named for him.
Federal Judicial Service
On September 20, 1917, President Wilson nominated Adamson to serve as a Member of the Board of General Appraisers, to the seat vacated by Henderson M. Somerville. He was confirmed by the Senate on September 20, 1917, and received his commission on September 24, 1917. On May 28, 1926, he was transferred by operation of law to the newly created United States Customs Court. He served on the court until his retirement on January 20, 1928, and was succeeded by Judge Genevieve R. Cline.
Retirement and death
Adamson resumed the practice of law in Carrollton, Georgia. He died while on a visit in New York City, January 3, 1929. He was interred in City Cemetery, Carrollton. Adamson Square in downtown Carrollton was named in his honor.