ADAMS, WALTER R. (1897-1971). Walter R. Adams, poet, was born at Purmela, Texas, on January 25, 1897, one of fourteen children of James and Emma Adams. He attended Ireland High School and Baylor Normal College, served in the United States armed forces during World War I, and then taught school at Hay Valley, Purmela, and Ireland. He spent the rest of his life farming and writing. Three collections of his verse, The Dead Lie Down (1934), Bachelor's Poppy (1940), and High to the Fruits (1949), were published by the Kaleidograph Press of Dallas (see KALEIDOGRAPH). His poetry was published in many periodicals and anthologies, and he received numerous honors and literary awards. He was a charter member of the Texas Institute of Letters and the Fort Belknap Archives Association. At the time of his death at Gatesville, on June 27, 1971, he was honorary vice president of the Poetry Society of Texas. A collection of his works is on display at the restored Fort Belknap Museum near Graham. Adams never married.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Vaida Stewart Montgomery, A Century with Texas Poets and Poetry (Dallas: Kaleidograph, 1934). Vertical Files, Barker Texas History Center, University of Texas at Austin.
