Sebastian C. Adams

Sebastian Cabot Adams (July 28, 1825 – January 5, 1898) was an American writer, historian, Presbyterian minister, and politician. He was a brother-in-law of U.S. Senator George W. McBride. He is remembered as one of Salem’s most honoured citizens, an inspiring minister, teacher, and businessman.

Adams was born in Huron, Ohio. He was a founder of McMinville, Oregon, as well as Linfield College.

When he was twelve years old, he moved to Oregon, where he taught school (1852-54), and eventually opened his own school which became Linfield College.

He also worked as a preacher, surveyor, county clerk, and State Senator while living in Yamhill County, Oregon. He was also an avid historian, spending years compiling his Adams Synchronological Chart or Map of History. He writes:

"It is fondly hoped that all friends of education and knowledge will duly appreciate the years of toil and study spent in arranging, from fragmentary and disconnected records of the world's history this instructive and beautiful panorama. Its plan is simple, its utility obvious, and its value, as you estimate knowledge. (from the text of the chart itself)"

The Oregon Encycopedia notes that his chart is now prized by museums and library collections as an early representation of commercial illustration that made history lessons 'colourful and dramatic'.

Death
Adams died on January 5, 1898, at the age of 72.