The 1885 Dakota Territory census showed M. L. Adams (age 39, hotel keeper, born in Vermont) married to Mary E. (age 37, born in New York) and living in Grand Forks, Dakota Territory. They had a son E. F. Adams (age 11, born in Wisconsin), daughter Cora M. (age 9, born in Wisconsin), son Willard R. (age 7, born in Wisconsin), and daughter Gertrude A. (age 4, born in Dakota Territory).
The 1889-1890 Grand Forks Directory listed M. L. Adams as the proprietor of the Central Hotel in Grand Forks, at the corner of 4th and Bruce Avenue. (Grand Forks Directory, North Dakota, 1889-1890, Chas. Pettibone & Co., 1889)
The 1891-1892 Grand Forks Directory listed M. L. Adams as the proprietor of the Central Hotel in Grand Forks, at the corner of 4th and Bruce Avenue. (Grand Forks Directory, North Dakota, 1891-1892, Chas. Pettibone & Co., 1891)
The 1900 United States census showed Marcus L. Adams (age 54, born in December 1845 in Vermont, agent) married to Mary E. (age 51, born in October 1848 in New York) and living in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Children Eugene F. (age 26, born in May 1874 in Wisconsin, dentist), Cora M. (age 24, born in January 1876 in Wisconsin, school teacher), Willard R. (age 21, born in October 1878 in Wisconsin, dry goods salesman), and Gertrude A. (age 18, born in August 1881 in Dakota Territory, student) were living with their parents.
DEATH OF M. L. ADAMS. Took Place At His Home In This City At 8:30 Last Evening. Deceased Was An Old And Respected Resident Of Grand Forks. And His Demise Will Cause Deep Regret to Many – He had Been a Great Sufferer for Several Years Past – Complication of Troubles the Cause of Death. M. L. Adams, one of the oldest residents of Grand Forks, died last evening (July 8, 1902) at his home in this city at the corner of Fifth street and Cheyenne avenue at 8:30, of a complication of troubles affecting his heart, liver and kidneys, which followed a severe attack of asthma with which he has been a sufferer for many years.
His death came as a surprise to his many friends. He was taken to the Deaconess hospital several weeks ago, and the latter part of last week was removed to his home. Since that time it was thought his condition was improving. Yesterday afternoon, however, a change for the worse was noted, and the patient sank rapidly from that time till death brought an end to his sufferings, though everything possible was done to prolong his life. Deceased was about 55 years of age at the time of his death. He leaves a wife and four children, Dr. E. F. Adams, William and Misses Cora and Gertrude, all of whom reside in Grand Forks. To them is extended the deepest sympathy of many friends in their hour of bereavement.
M. L. Adams came to Grand Forks about 1880 and for a time was in the employ of the Great Northern railroad. Later he was traveling agent for a wholesale vinegar house, and became well known throughout the northern part of the state. Next he engaged in the hotel business, leasing the Park house, and after that leased the Central hotel, which he later purchased, and continued in the business for several years, being very successful and accumulating considerable means. He retired permanently from the hotel business less than a year ago, though he still owns the property.
He was a prominent member of the Odd Fellows, being a past Noble Grand of Banner lodge, was treasurer of the lodge for six years, and three years ago was representative of the Grand Encampment of North Dakota to the Sovereign Grand Encampment at Boston. He was very popular in that order. He was also an honorary member of the Knights of Malta. Deceased was a man of high personal character, and of strict business integrity, and had many close personal friends. Funeral arrangements will be made later. (Grand Forks Daily Herald, Wednesday Morning, July 9, 1902, Volume 21, Number 215, Page 6)