A prominent attorney, industrialist and civic leader in Beloit and the State of Wisconsin, Harry Adams was born in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. He spent his early life there, and after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Law School, Mr. Adams established a law practice in Beloit in 1904, which he continued throughout his life. He was a member of the Rock County, Wisconsin and American Bar Associations. He served as mayor of the City of Beloit from 1914 to 1918, was a member of the Rock County Board of Supervisors and president of the Wisconsin League of Municipalities. He was a leader in adoption of the city manager form of government and a member of the first manager council.

Other civic interests included membership in the First Congregational Church, a director of the YMCA for almost 50 years, chairman of the American Red Cross, first president of the Beloit Historical Society, a director of the national Mutual Benefit Association of Madison, and first president of Beloit Kiwanis Club. He was a Royal Arch, Knight Templar and Scottish Rite 32º Mason. He was founder of the Adams Corporation, originator of “Korn Kurls,” and also founded Flakall Corporation and Dell Foods Specialties Company. His descendants continued the tradition of community service he established.