Richard Adams (1847-1855)
2nd President of Centralia
Born: 21 Dec 1799, Marblehead, PA
Died: 6 Jun 1867, Hartford, PA
Political Affiliation: Whig Party
Description: "By the time George Morris left office in 1847, Centralian politics had solidified into a two-party system. The Whig Party, also referred to as the Morrisites (though Morris himself was never a member), represented those who favored a strong central government. The Federalist Party, by contrast, favored decentralization and power to the states. Richard Adams, one of the Whig Party's founders, was essentially hand-picked by Morris for the 1846 election, and accordingly won easily. The Pittsylvania native quickly gained a reputation for simplicity in his governing style, but his second term was rife with corruption. A terrible judge of character, President Adams often ended up with career politicians in his inner circle, most of whom were more interested in bettering their own situation than in helping the country. Eventually, fed up with incessant scandals, Adams declared himself done with politics, and he left office gladly at the end of his tenure. After his time as president, he went back into the practice of law, where he said that he could
'do at least something beneficial'. Worn out from a life full of argument, compromise, and negativity, Richard Adams collapsed in the courtroom during his final case and died two hours later. Later that day, the judge ruled in his favor."