Edward Adams brought his wife, Sara Jane, to Silverton in 1905 for a
three-month visit with his brothers, Martin and Louis who were established here.
The couple stayed for the remainder of their lives. Edward and Sara Jane had
grown up across the street from each other in Portsmouth, Ohio, and married in
1890. Edward, who previously owned and operated a shoe manufacturing business,
joined his brother Martin at Coolidge and McClaine Bank, and later was an
officer at First National Bank in Silverton.
Three children, Ralph, Earl, and Jean, had come to Oregon with their parents,
and Eleanor was born in Silverton. In later years, Mr. Adams purchased the
community's first greenhouses, and he and Sara Jane operated them well into
their 70s. The couple was very active in the Methodist Church in Silverton.
Edward's brother Martin, who also lived in the house, was an official with
Coolidge and McClaine Bank. His obituary noted the "very strong financial
institution owes much of its success to his
efforts." Another brother, Louis,
was established in law and served in Oregon politics.
The house was constructed in 1890 by Magnus Ek, an immigrant from Sweden who was
a builder and millwright. He came to Silverton, entering into the steam sawmill
business with a Mr. Johnson and "manufactured large quantities of lumber and
general building supplies," according to a 1903 biography.
In 1890, Magnus married Emma, the daughter of Matthew Johnson (his partner's
daughter?). He later disposed of his interests the lumber mill and set about to
overhaul Fisher Flouring Mills both in Silverton and in Corvallis. The house was
sold to Martin Adams, who later was joined by his brother Edward and family.