Joseph’s and Garret’s maternal great grandfather

Superior Federal Court Judge Alfred Adams of Nashville, was known as "the Whittling Judge" because he would hear cases while whittling on cedar sticks behind the bench.

Chancellor Adams had a habit of buying peanuts in the Arcade and passing them out to lawyers on the sidewalk. If he collared a young lawyer near a bookstore, he would steer him inside to suggest a book about history or the outdoors.

He was an American football and basketball player and coach who was captain of the 1917 Vanderbilt University football team. He lost his father early. He was was selected as an All-Southern end in 1917 and 1919, was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and graduated with a B. S in 1918 and an LL.B from Vanderbilt Law School in 1921.

His education was interrupted by World War I in which he served as Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery. During World War II he again served his country as Major in the Air Corps. He continued his interest in athletics after his graduation, coaching the football and basketball teams at Hume Fogg High School. His basketball team in 1922 was one of the best in the county, reaching the finals in the National Tournament at Chicago.

Following his graduation from Law School Chancellor Adams passed the Bar and became associated in the practice of law with his uncle, R. B.C. HOWELL, and MYLES P. O' CONNOR.

Chancellor Adams was a member of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee in the Legislative Session of 1923 through 1924. From 1946 to 1951 he served as Professor of Law at Cumberland Law School, work which he enjoyed, making many lasting friends. He was President of the Nashville Bar Association in 1947-1948 and President of the Tennessee Bar Association in 1952-1953. He was appointed Chancellor of Part II of the Chancery Court for Davidson County by Governor Clement in 1957, and served with distinction in that office until his retirement in 1970.

During his many years as a practicing Attorney Chancellor Adams was a vigorous and active advocate and served his clients well. Upon his retirement from the Bench he continued his private practice with his son, Alfred T. Adams, Jr. and the Attorneys comprising the firm of which he was a member.

A series of audio interviews of Chancellor Adams in 1980 for the Nashville Public Library's Digital Collections can be found HERE.