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Jefferson E. McAdams, president of the Alexandria Bank and Trust Company and of
the McAdams & Company department store, two of the most important enterprises of
Alexandria, is a product of the farm, but for many years has devoted himself to
banking and mercantile activities. From modest beginnings he has worked his way
to prestige and independence through merit and industry, and at the same time
has maintained a position as a constructive and progressive citizen.
Mr.
McAdams was born on a farm in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, November 26, 1866, and
is a son of George W. and Josephine (Kelley) McAdams, natives respectively of
Marion, Louisiana, and Jackson Parish, this state. George W. McAdams, who was an
agriculturist by vocation, moved to Texas in 1869, and there passed the
remaining years of his life, his wife also passing away there. Mr. McAdams,
whose family was from Alabama, volunteered for service in the Confederate Army
during the war between the states and served for several years. He was also in
the commissary department, and while making syrup for the soldiers was badly
injured in the arm by a sugar mill which he was using. He was a democrat in his
political views, but had little or no connection with political matters. Mr. and
Mrs. McAdams were faithful members of the Baptist Church, and were the parents
of five children, of whom only Jefferson E. survives.
Jefferson E.
McAdams attended the public schools of Texas and began his life on a farm, but
had no liking for an agricultural career and after five years turned his
attention to matters for which he felt he had the innate ability and invested
his little capital in a small store at Simsboro, Louisiana. He continued to
operate this modest enterprise for two years, at the end of which time, looking
for a broader field, he moved to Monroe and embarked in the merchandise
brokerage business. Later he formed a connection with the Singer Manufacturing
Company, at that time sweeping the country with sewing machines, as salesman and
collector, and eventually moved to Shreveport and invested his capital in a
liquor business, which he conducted from 1898 to 1908. In the latter year
Shreveport voted itself "dry" and Mr. McAdams, without a business, moved to
Alexandria, where, in 1909, he engaged in a mail order liquor business. When
Rapides County voted for prohibition, Mr. McAdams turned his attention again to
mercantile lines and February 22, 1919, opened a large department store, the
McAdams Company, Incorporated, of which he has since been president, and which
he has developed into one of the leading enterprises of the city. He also has
numerous other interests, but devotes his time principally to the store and to
the Alexandria Bank and Trust Company, of which he was one of the organizers
June 14, 1920, and of which he has Since been president.
In August, 1903,
Mr. McAdams was united in marriage with Mrs. Ollie (Calcote) Rasberry, who was
born in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, and educated there in the public schools.
They have no children. Mrs. McAdams is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Fraternally, Mr. McAdams belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and Knights of Pythias, in the former of which he is past chancellor commander
and has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the state. He is a democrat
in his political views and has always taken an interest in politics, although
not seeking public office.
Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from A History of Louisiana, by Henry E. Chambers, published in 1925, volume 2, page 218.
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