William Sweeney was a regular Democrat; a well-known peace officer, and a native of Tuolumne County.
George Adams who was not a native son. He had a colorful life before coming to California. He lived in Tuolumne County for 14 years and eventually became an electrician at the Phoenix Lake powerhouse. He left that job to enter politics.
At the primary in August, 1903, Sweeney was given the nod by his fellow Democrats, while Adams was chosen as the sheriff candidate for the GOP. The countywide total, as finally announced following a canvass by the board of supervisors, showed Adams leading his opponent by one vote, according to the November 14th edition of the Mother Lode Banner. Because of an balloting error in Springfield, a recount of ballots was ordered.
When the supervisors finished their tally, they found Adams the winner of the race by a vote of 1,490 while Sweeney had 1,488 -a majority of two! Adams was declared sheriff, but when the legal period of 10 days had passed, it was discovered Adams had failed to qualify for the office by posting his bond of $10,000.
The board of supervisors appointed Lee Price sheriff - until his successor qualified. Amid a lawsuit filed by Sweeney, a judge issued a certificate of election to Sweeney, but the supervisord appointed Adams to the office of sheriff. Adams took possession of the sheriff’s office on January 8th, 1903. On January 13th, Adams made a formal demand for Adams to surrender the office - which was refused.
In the meantime, Adams filed suit with the superior court because the County Clerk refused to pay him pending the appeal by Sweeney and Sweeney filed suit to be made sheriff. Adams took a second job bartending at a saloon in Columbia. Sweeney continued his legal battle.
A year later on January 15th of the new year, the Supreme Court rendered its decision. William Sweeney was the duly elected sheriff of Tuolumne county! Republicans and Democrats forgot their differences and united to show personal good will to the man who has always been rated as a liberal and progressive citizen.
There were no news stories about George Adams. He had served as sheriff for one year. He fought hard for that position. But he walked out of the office on February 4, 1904 and disappeared.