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Francis AdamsAnglo-Australian writer, poet and journalist
Date of Birth: 27.09.1862
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Personal Life
- Literary Career in Australia
- Return to England
- Deteriorating Health and Demise
- Suicide
Early Life and Education
Francis Adams, an Anglo-Australian writer, poet, and journalist, was born into the family of army surgeon Andrew Leith Adams, a renowned scientist and Fellow of the Royal Society. Francis attended Shrewsbury School and later studied in Paris. Upon graduating, he became a schoolmaster on the Isle of Wight for two years.
Personal Life
In 1882, Adams married Helen Uttley and emigrated with her to Australia.
Literary Career in Australia
Adams immersed himself in literary pursuits in Australia. In 1884, he published his first collection of poems, "Henry and Other Poems." His autobiographical work, "Leicester," was published in 1885. While residing in Sydney, he contributed to various Australian publications, including "The Bulletin."
In 1886, Adams moved to Brisbane, where he published his "Poetical Works." His wife passed away the same year, and he remained in Brisbane until early 1887.
Return to England
Adams's novel, "Madeline Brown's Murderer," was published in Sydney in 1887. Over the ensuing years, he wrote several more novels, including "Songs of the Army of the Night" (1888), which gained popularity in Sydney and was reprinted thrice in London. After remarrying, Adams lived in Brisbane until late 1889, serving as one of the main correspondents for the "Brisbane Courier."
In 1889, he returned to England, where two further novels were published: "John Webb's End, a Story of Bush Life" (1891) and "The Melbournians" (1892).
Deteriorating Health and Demise
Francis Adams's health declined during this period, plagued by an incurable lung ailment. He spent time in Alexandria from December 1892 to February 1893, attempting to complete a book on the British occupation of Egypt. The summer of 1893 saw Adams in Margate, England, suffering from depression brought on by the hopelessness of his illness.
Suicide
In September 1893, Adams committed suicide. He summoned his second wife, Edith (née Goldstone), to his study, took out a pistol, and shot himself in the mouth. His widow, who witnessed and essentially aided his suicide, later admitted her ability to prevent it but had consciously chosen not to. No charges were ever filed against her.