Sherman Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sherman Adams
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| 2nd White House Chief of Staff | |
| In office January 20, 1953 – October 7, 1958 |
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| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | John R. Steelman |
| Succeeded by | Wilton Persons |
| 67th Governor of New Hampshire | |
| In office January 6, 1949 – January 1, 1953 |
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| Preceded by | Charles M. Dale |
| Succeeded by | Hugh Gregg |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Hampshire's 2nd district |
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| In office January 3, 1945 – January 3, 1947 |
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| Preceded by | Foster W. Stearns |
| Succeeded by | Norris Cotton |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Llewelyn Sherman Adams
January 8, 1899 East Dover, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | October 27, 1986 (aged 87) Hanover, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Rachel Leona White
(m. 1923; died 1979) |
| Education | Dartmouth College (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  Marine Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Llewelyn Sherman Adams (born January 8, 1899 – died October 27, 1986) was an American businessman and politician. He is best known for being the White House Chief of Staff for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This was the highest point in his 18-year political career. Before that, he was the 67th Governor of New Hampshire. He left his job at the White House after a problem involving an expensive coat made of vicuña wool.
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Early Life and Education
Sherman Adams was born in East Dover, Vermont. His father, Clyde H. Adams, was a grocer. His mother was Winnie Marion Sherman. He went to public schools in Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated from Hope High School.
He then went to Dartmouth College and earned a degree in 1920. During college, he spent six months serving in the United States Marine Corps during World War I. At Dartmouth, he helped start a hiking club called Cabin and Trail. He was also part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college, he worked in the lumber business and also in banking.
Starting in Politics
Adams began his political career in New Hampshire. He was a Republican legislator from 1941 to 1944. In 1944, he became the Speaker of the House.
From 1945 to 1947, he served one term in the United States House of Representatives. He tried to become governor of New Hampshire in 1946 but lost. Two years later, in 1948, he won the election and became governor.
Governor of New Hampshire
When Sherman Adams became governor, New Hampshire was facing a difficult time after World War II. He asked people and the state government to be careful with money. He also wanted more state help for older people. This would allow them to get Federal Old Age & Survivors Insurance.
In 1950, he created a committee to suggest ways to improve how the state worked. He asked the legislature to act on these ideas. Adams was known for his careful approach to spending. He served as chairman of the National Governors Association from 1951 to 1952.
Working with President Eisenhower
Sherman Adams played a big role in Dwight D. Eisenhower's journey to become president. In 1952, Adams led Eisenhower's campaign in the New Hampshire primary election. They won all the delegates for the national convention.
Adams worked hard for Eisenhower across the country. He was Eisenhower's main supporter at the convention. Eisenhower was very impressed by Adams's hard work and his ability to handle details. Adams became the campaign manager for the 1952 presidential election. He was always by Eisenhower's side.
Because of his skills, Adams was the clear choice for White House Chief of Staff. He was the first person to officially hold this title. Eisenhower copied this idea from military practice.
White House Chief of Staff Role
President Eisenhower used a military-style system in the White House. This meant the Chief of Staff was very important. Sherman Adams handled most of the paperwork and early decisions. Almost anyone who wanted to speak with Eisenhower needed Adams's approval first.
Adams took his job very seriously. Most requests to see the President had to go through his office. This made some traditional Republican Party leaders unhappy.
Adams was one of the most powerful people in Washington for six years. Many people thought he controlled White House operations and domestic policy. His 1961 book, First Hand Report, talked about some of the disagreements within the Eisenhower team.
Adams often helped solve problems between different people. He was willing to make strong political statements that Eisenhower avoided. This made Adams a target for the Democrats. He usually supported the more liberal side of the Republican Party. Eisenhower often relied on Adams to help choose people for important jobs. Adams also handled many appointments and was in charge of firing people when needed.
A movie critic named Michael Medved wrote a book about presidential aides. He said Adams was probably the most powerful Chief of Staff ever. There was a joke in Washington in the 1950s: "Wouldn't it be terrible if Sherman Adams died and Eisenhower became President!" This joke showed how much power people thought Adams had.
Adams was known for saying "No" to many requests. Because of this, he was sometimes called "The Abominable No Man."
Life After Politics
After leaving politics, Adams went back to Lincoln, New Hampshire. He started building Loon Mountain. Today, it is one of the biggest ski resorts in New England.
Sherman Adams passed away in 1986. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Lincoln.
Family Life
Sherman Adams married Rachel Leona White in 1923. They had one son, Samuel, and three daughters: Jean, Sarah, and Marion.
