Hugh David Adams was born on March 4, 1889 in Beckenham, Kent, England to Charles and Emily Frances (Laurie) Adams. Educated in England, Adams left school at the age of fourteen and worked as an apprentice, clerk and farmer.
In 1911, Adams emigrated to Canada and settled in the Chaplin, Saskatchewan district. In 1914, he returned to England to enlist for service in the First World War but was declined for health reasons. On May 11, 1916 Adams enlisted in the Canadian Forces, City of Regina 195th Battalion. He travelled overseas with the 195th Battalion to France and served as a stretcher bearer. In 1918 Adams was transferred to the Army Orchestra in Brussels, Belgium after Armistice. He was demobilized on August 27, 1919 in Quebec.
After the War, Adams resumed farming in the Chaplin district. He later worked in Shamrock, Saskatchewan as a postmaster (1924-03-15 to 1946-05-06), village secretary-treasurer and implement agent. He also provided first aid services to the community. In November, 1945 Adams moved to Roberts Creek, British Columbia. He moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 1971 and resided there until his death on January 13, 1992.
Adams' interests included music, drawing, photography, gardening and letter writing.
Adams married Eva Mary Peck in 1919. After Eva Adams' death in 1969, Adams married Violet Goodfellow. Adams did not have any children.
