(SAMUEL) CLIFFORD ADAMS

Dr. (Samuel) Clifford Adams, a geology professor, was at his desk at Hanover College when he died August 13, 1971, of a heart attack.

Born on a farm near Rockville, Indiana, February 12, 1912, Dr. Adams was of English descent. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree cum laude at Hanover College in 1935, obtained a Master of Science Degree (1940) and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (1942) from the university of Iowa. He was an instructor of geology at Hanover College from 1835 to 1927, and clerk of mapping for the Agricultural Adjustment Agency, Uncited States Department of Agriculture in Indiana from 1936 to 1937. He was an assistant at the University of Iowa from 1938 to 1942. He also served as Junior Geologist with the Soil Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture form 1939 to 1941, and field assistant for the Iowa Geological Survey in 1940.

In 1942, he entered the United States Army and served until 1945. He was a combat intelligence officer and was permanently blinded by enemy mortar fire during the invasion of the Leyte Islands, the Philipines. For his heroism, he received the Combat Infantryman Medal, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Posthumously, his wife received a certificate signed by President Nixon which states: "The United States honors the memory of Samuel C Adams. This certificate is accorded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country."

In September, 1945, Dr. Adams returned to Indiana to teach geology as an associate professor at Hanover College. Familiar with the campus from student days, he had little difficulty finding his way around, which he accomplished unassisted. An article in the magazine section of the Indianapolis Star (February 2, 1947) commended his classes. With the use of models, blackboard illustrations and free discussions, his classes maintained a high degree of interest. It was stated that he was the only professor in a Hoosier College, blinded in World War II actively engaged in teaching at that time. His wife, Mrs. Blanche Adams, also taught at Hanover College. They were both alumni of Hanover and she was a student at the University of Iowa at the same time as Dr. Adams. Clifford Adams was especially interested in soil erosion, recent stream and valley sedimentation, accelerated sedimentation of the Galena River Valley, soil conservation, stratigraphy and sedimentation, general, surficial and structural geology and ground water. He became a full professor in 1951 serving the college with great distinction.

Dr. Adams joined the Indiana Academy of Science in 1945 and was a Divisional Chairman of the Geology and Geography Section in 1953. He delivered a paper at that meeting on Modern Floodplain Deposits. In 1962, he gave a talk before the History of Science Section of the Indiana Academy of Science on A Century and a Quarter of Geology at Hanover College. The study of Hanover history was a hobby for Dr. Adams. He was also very interested in sports, particularly football and baseball.

In addition to belonging to the Indiana Academy of Science, Dr. Adams was a Fellow of the Geological Society of American and belonged to the Geochemical Society, American Geophysical Union, Iowa Academy of Science, Sigma Xi, Delta Epsilon, Pi Gamma Mu, and was a charter member of the Indiana Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He was awarded an alumni achievement award from Hanover College in 1967.

Poised and sure, Dr. Clifford Adams faced a dark world with confidence and without self pity. He leaves with us the inspiration of an exemplary life.

Source: "Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science" ¹²⁹⁸⁶