Ira A. Adams was born in Oct. 1862 near Niagara Falls. He moved to Antrim County, Mich. in 1884 and became a merchant. He became active in public affairs in Antrim County and became one of the leaders of the Republican Party and an influential factor in shaping the policies of the area and promoting the area's success. He was elected to several local offices from 1894-1906. He was appointed in 1909 by Gov. Warner to the Mackinac Island Park Commission where he served until 1915, and was appointed again in 1925 by Gov. Groesbeck where he served until 1929, when he retired from public service. Adams was also a publisher and editor, organizing the Bellaire Pub. Co. in 1894 and buying the Bellaire independant. He was a member of the Masonic order for 15 years. He married Clara A. Kibby in Portland, Mich. in Sept. of 1883.
From the description of Ira Adams papers. (State Archive of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 41491742
