George C. Adams

George Caspar Adams was born on April 24, 1863, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Adams political family, being the son of politician John Quincy Adams II. His great-grandfather was John Quincy Adams, a former President of the United States, and his great-great-grandfather was John Adams, also a former President. His mother was a granddaughter of Benjamin Williams Crowninshield, who served as United States Secretary of the Navy under Presidents James Madison and James Monroe.

Adams attended the Adams Academy prior to enrolling at Harvard University in 1882. He graduated with an A.B. degree in 1886.

During his time at Harvard, Adams was instrumental in restoring the university's football program in 1886. He led a petition movement directed toward the university's administration to reinstate football and subsequently played on the team. In addition to playing, he helped manage and coach the team.

In 1890, Adams was appointed as head coach of Harvard football along with George A. Stewart, a fellow Harvard alumnus from the Class of 1884. Adams and Stewart's coaching tenure is recognized as a significant development in Harvard’s football history, marking the beginning of an organized coaching system at the university. In their inaugural season, the Harvard football team achieved an 11-0 record and was regarded as the national champion. During that season, five players received All-American honors.

Following his coaching career, Adams resided in Boston, where he was involved in the real estate industry. He was additionally known to be active as a recreational yachtsman and was affiliated with multiple yacht clubs.

George Caspar Adams died of tuberculosis on July 13, 1900, in Quincy, Massachusetts.